sternly
- adverb
- /ˈstɜrnli/
- "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.
- And one day his friend, translator, whatever, he called my phone back very sternly.
- I I have to tell you sternly, that's simply not true.
- No, you can say it sternly, but not choking them to death.
- She grew up in Idaho, sternly, strictly Christian, nationalist family.
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
In a very bad or serious way
In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant
In a harsh, angry way when speaking to someone
In a serious and determined way without showing any joy
Talk in a rough, unfriendly way
In a harsh, angry way that shows someone is not happy
To say things in an angry way to show you are unhappy with someone
In a warning and disapproving way that shows someone their mistake
Antonyms
How Stern
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.