sharply
/ˈʃɑːpli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈʃɑːrpli/ (ame, ipa)
sharply — adverb
1. describing a change that takes place very fast and often involves a big differen
describing a change that takes place very fast and often involves a big difference in numbers, direction, or physical state.
Oil prices rose sharply after the storm hit the Gulf.
verb of change + sharply (increase)
The road turned sharply to the left just past the old bridge.
sharply + direction verb
Temperatures dropped sharply overnight, and the pipes froze.
Hyun's heart rate increased sharply when the fire alarm went off.
- dramatically
emphasises the surprising scale of the change
- steeply
suggests a near-vertical line on a graph, usually for prices or slopes
- abruptly
focuses on the suddenness rather than the amount of change
文法句型
sharply + verb of change
verb + sharply
用法筆記
Commonly paired with verbs of measurable change: rise, fall, drop, increase, decrease, turn, slow. The change is almost always physical or numerical; this sense does NOT describe the tone or manner of a person.
常見錯誤
2. describing how a sharp blade, edge, or point cuts or pierces through a surface c
describing how a sharp blade, edge, or point cuts or pierces through a surface cleanly — for example, a knife slicing through a ripe tomato.
The knife cut through the ripe tomato sharply, leaving a clean slice.
cut + sharply (physical cutting)
Defne trimmed the edges sharply with a brand-new pair of scissors.
The needle pierced the fabric sharply and left a tiny hole.
The tailor trimmed the fabric sharply along the chalk line before sewing the pieces together.
- dully
in a blunt way that does not cut cleanly
文法句型
verb + sharply
用法筆記
Typically modifies physical-action verbs: cut, trim, slice, pierce. The subject is usually a tool (knife, blade, scissors) or a person using one. Not used for metaphorical 'cuts' like budget cuts.
3. in a way that shows disapproval, harshness, or anger — especially when speaking
in a way that shows disapproval, harshness, or anger — especially when speaking to or about someone.
The judge spoke sharply to the lawyer who had interrupted the trial.
speak sharply to [sb]
Nellie's mother asked sharply why no one had called to say they would be late.
ask sharply
Customers complained sharply about the long wait times at the clinic.
Yasmin scolded the children sharply for running into the street without looking.
文法句型
verb + sharply
用法筆記
Describes the tone or manner of speech, not the content. The verbs it pairs with are verbs of communication: speak, say, ask, reply, criticize, complain. The opposite of 'sharply' in this sense is 'gently' or 'softly'.
4. used to describe how two or more things are clearly different from each other, e
used to describe how two or more things are clearly different from each other, especially in appearance, opinion, or situation.
The new building's glass design contrasted sharply with the old brick houses around it.
contrast sharply with [noun]
Voters were sharply divided on the issue of school funding.
sharply divided
The two brothers' political views differ sharply on almost every topic.
Opinions in the office were sharply split between staying and relocating.
- markedly
emphasises that the difference is easy to notice
- strikingly
suggests the difference grabs your attention
- clearly
more general; lacks the sense of opposition that 'sharply' carries
- barely
differences are so small they are hard to notice
文法句型
contrast sharply with [noun]
be sharply divided
differ sharply
用法筆記
Almost always appears with verbs of comparison or disagreement: contrast, differ, divide, split. Can describe visual contrasts (colours, styles) as well as opinion-based divisions (voters, critics).
5. in a way that shows a stylish, smart, and neat appearance — used especially to d
in a way that shows a stylish, smart, and neat appearance — used especially to describe the way someone dresses.
Ramon arrived at the party sharply dressed in a navy suit and polished shoes.
sharply dressed — informal, US usage
The groom and his best man both dressed sharply for the wedding ceremony.
Lara always dresses sharply for client meetings at the law firm.
Élise showed up sharply dressed in a long coat and leather boots.
- sloppily
in a careless, untidy way
文法句型
dress + sharply
look + sharply dressed
用法筆記
This sense is informal and predominantly American. It almost exclusively pairs with 'dress' or 'dressed'. Avoid using it with other verbs ('looks sharply' sounds unnatural). Does NOT mean 'in a way that cuts' — a common learner confusion.
常見錯誤
6. in a way that shows quick, intelligent understanding and the ability to notice s
in a way that shows quick, intelligent understanding and the ability to notice small details that others might miss.
Cole looked sharply at the photograph and spotted the forged signature immediately.
look sharply at [sth] (keen observation)
Sirin looked sharply at the chess board and saw a winning move her opponent had missed.
look sharply at [sth] (keen observation)
Eli observed sharply that the numbers in the report did not add up correctly.
Rania noticed sharply that the painting had been retouched near the lower corner.
- keenly
suggests enthusiasm plus alertness
- astutely
emphasises wise, practical understanding
- perceptively
focuses on the ability to see what others miss
文法句型
verb + sharply
用法筆記
Describes mental quickness — a sharp look, sharp question, or sharp observation. Distinguish from sense 3 (angry/critical): sense 6 highlights intelligence and alertness, not hostility. A 'sharp question' in this sense is incisive; in sense 3 it would be rude.