sternly

American  

[sturn-lee] / ˈstɜrn li /

adverb

1. in a firm, strict, or austere way.

   Unless the government sternly cracks down on the underground economy, citizens will never pay their taxes diligently.

2. in a harsh, severe, or grim way.

   Any baker caught mixing sawdust with bread or butcher selling horse meat as beef was immediately and sternly punished.

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Etymology

Origin of sternly

First recorded before 1000; stern ¹ ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“The Insider” details these events sternly but with evident reluctance.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a sternly worded statement before Friday’s vote, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez wrote that the city attorney’s “position does not speak for the full City Council.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Guests not dressed for the occasion will be asked to make adjustments before entry,” we are sternly admonished.

From The Wall Street Journal

A deeply religious man — he has “Only God Can Judge Me” sternly tattooed across his back — Jem is on a mission whose purpose will only slowly be revealed.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think there needs to be a more robust Democratic Party, and I don't think all these sternly worded letters get it done,” he said, adding.

From Salon

Related Words

• acutely
• badly
• critically
• dangerously
• extremely
• firmly
• markedly
• painfully
• seriously
• sharply
• sorely
• strictly