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sternly

sternly

16 3.9
In a strict, serious way that shows disapproval
  • adverb
  • /ˈstɜrnli/
translation icon : severamente
  • "We cannot tolerate any mistakes," she said sternly to the new employees.

And one day his friend, translator, whatever, he called my phone back very sternly.

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Examples

  • Mwata then emerged from his throne and sternly lectured the chiefs about their new responsibilities.

    Academic text (2006)
  • I spoke sternly with you because physicians should always be firm with their patients.

  • "It's nothing bad," she said somewhat sternly. "What do you know about Iris?"

    Fiction book (1990)
  • After Henry left, Pop said sternly, "Young man, I'm ashamed of you."

    Academic text (1999)
  • Returning her attention to Maura, she asked sternly, "Just how did you think you were going to live, miss?"

    Fiction book (1994)
  • "Prince Charming," Azzie said sternly, "you had better master this fear of yours."

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The bus conductor, now thoroughly furious, stood above him, sternly pointing to the seat in front.

    Academic text (2009)
  • I have to tell you sternly, that's simply not true.

  • "Are you really from Benares?" Zoya asked sternly, preparing to stand.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Then he spoke directly to Hussein, sternly dismissing the defendant's accusation of judicial malfeasance.

    Academic text (2009)

Synonyms

severely
vssternly
272 4.1

In a very bad or serious way

is strict and serious but not always extremely harsh
harshly
vssternly
49 3.5

In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant

is strict and serious but not necessarily rough or unkind
sharply
vssternly
44 2.8

In a harsh, angry way when speaking to someone

is serious and strict rather than mainly aggressive
grimly
vssternly
27 5.5

In a serious and determined way without showing any joy

is strict and serious without the bleak relentlessness
gruffly
vssternly
3 6.3

Talk in a rough, unfriendly way

is serious and strict rather than just brusque speech
with asperity
vssternly
  • Formal
9.9

In a harsh, angry way that shows someone is not happy

is severe and strict but less sharp in tone
scoldingly
vssternly
6.4

To say things in an angry way to show you are unhappy with someone

is firm and serious without needing angry speech
admonishingly
vssternly
7.6

In a warning and disapproving way that shows someone their mistake

is stricter and more severe than a warning tone

Antonyms

372 1.0

To do something with little force to avoid hurting or making noise

179 1.0

In a gentle and caring way

How Stern

severely
272 4.1
harshly
49 3.5
sternly
16 3.9
strictly
103 3.7
firmly
92 1.0

Surface Forms

sternly positive
sternlier comparative
sternliest superlative

Morphology

sternly = stern (transparent) = stern + ly

The adverb 'sternly' is transparently derived from the adjective 'stern' with the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

The word sternly comes from the old adjective stern, from an old German word meaning 'severe' and like the modern German streng meaning 'strict'. So, to act sternly is to act 'strictly' or 'seriously'.