sharply

Universal Words adverb 1 in a critical, harsh or severe way: The report was sharply critical of the police. * 'Is there a problem?' he asked sharply. 2 suddenly and by a large amount SYNDRAMATICALLY: Profits fell sharply following the takeover. * The road fell sharply to the sea. 3 in a way that clearly shows the differences between two things: Their experiences contrast sharply with those of other children. * sharply contrasting attitudes to work 4 quickly and suddenly or loudly: She moved sharply across the room to block his exit. * He rapped sharply on the window. * He drew his breath in sharply. 5 used to emphasize that sth has a sharp point or edge: sharply pointed * The spring jutted sharply through the mattress.