sternly
Americanadverb
-
in a firm, strict, or austere way.
Unless the government sternly cracks down on the underground economy, citizens will never pay their taxes diligently.
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of sternly
First recorded before 1000; stern 1 ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sternly handsome, he resembles a noir version of Paul McCartney.
From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2017
Sternly scientific, the book is more readable than popular "wonder books" of nature.
From Time Magazine Archive
Sternly the Economics Ministry sent out fresh reminders last week that Tsar Schmitt has barred all opening of new factories or extensions.
From Time Magazine Archive
Sternly calling on manufacturers to boycott his booming business, French retail-trade papers scornfully labeled him "Monsieur 20%."
From Time Magazine Archive
Sternly she bade the slave bring her a battle-ax.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
