squarely

IPA/ˈskweəli/
KK[skwˈɛrli]IPA/ˈskwerli/

squarely — adverb

1. in a direct, firm, or unmistakable way, without turning aside or trying to avoid

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a direct, firm, or unmistakable way, without turning aside or trying to avoid the point.

Example

The punch landed squarely on Hiro's shoulder during boxing practice.

land squarely on + body part

Mira looked squarely at the reporter and denied the rumor.

look squarely at + someone

Common collocations
  • look squarely at
  • land squarely on
  • squarely reject
  • squarely admit
Synonyms
  • directly

    the broadest near-synonym, but often less forceful than squarely

  • frankly

    close when the meaning is open speech rather than physical contact

  • firmly

    stresses strength or certainty more than facing something head-on

  • bluntly

    suggests even less softening and can sound ruder

Antonyms
  • evasively

    in a way that avoids a clear answer or response

  • indirectly

    in a less direct way, often through another route or hint

Grammar Patterns

look squarely at + someone

land/hit squarely on + body part

squarely + admit/reject + clause or noun

squarely + affect + someone/something

Usage Note

Often used when someone faces a person, problem, or impact without avoiding it. Common with verbs such as look, hit, admit, reject, and affect.

Common Mistakes

Please squarely at me when you answer.
Please look squarely at me when you answer.
squarely is an adverb, so it needs a verb such as look or answer.
She answered squarely to the question.
She answered the question squarely.
with answer, squarely describes the manner of answering and does not take 'to'.

2. with the weight or position kept even on both sides, so something stays straight

2.adverbC1
Definition

with the weight or position kept even on both sides, so something stays straight instead of leaning to one side.

Example

The dining table stood squarely on the old tile floor after the repair.

stand squarely on + surface

After the fall, Joon set the picture frame squarely on the shelf again.

set + object + squarely on + surface

Common collocations
  • stand squarely
  • hang squarely
  • sit squarely
  • plant both feet squarely
Synonyms
  • evenly

    stresses equal balance or distribution more than straight alignment

  • steadily

    close when something stays firm, but it does not always suggest equal balance

  • centrally

    focuses on being near the middle rather than on balance

Antonyms
  • crookedly

    in a way that is visibly tilted or not straight

  • lopsidedly

    with more weight or height on one side than the other

Grammar Patterns

stand squarely on + surface

set/place + object + squarely on + surface

sit squarely in + seat/boat

plant + both feet + squarely

Usage Note

This sense is used for posture, balance, or the way an object stands or sits. It often appears with stand, sit, hang, place, and plant the feet.

Common Mistakes

Put the lamp squarely to the table.
Put the lamp squarely on the table.
use a surface or position phrase after squarely, not 'to'.
The frame is squarely.
The frame hangs squarely on the wall.
the adverb needs a verb such as stand, hang, sit, or rest.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

For adverb/1, squarely suggests meeting something head-on, whether that means looking straight at a person, taking an impact, or answering without evasion. Directly is broader and can simply mean 'without going through something else,' so it often sounds less forceful. Firmly stresses strength or certainty, especially in decisions or physical contact, but it does not always suggest open confrontation. Frankly is close when someone speaks honestly, though it focuses more on truthfulness than on straight-on impact. Bluntly goes further and often sounds rougher or less polite. A manager can squarely reject a risky idea, and a ball can also hit squarely on a door.

directly ↗firmly ↗frankly ↗bluntly ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Squarely was formed in English by adding the adverb ending -ly to square. Square came through Old French from a Latin word linked to four-sided shape. From the idea of something straight and even on all sides, squarely developed the meanings of facing something directly and of being balanced without leaning off to one side.

First known use

1564

1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1