squarely

American  

[skwair-lee] / ˈskwɛər li /

adverb

1. in a square shape, form, or manner.

2. directly; without evasion; in a straight or straightforward manner.

   to face a problem squarely.

3. in an honest or open manner; fairly.

4. in a clear manner; unequivocally.

   Our faith is based squarely on a commitment to the rights of all human beings.

5. firmly; so as to come into direct contact.

   The ball struck him squarely in the face.

6. in the exact place that is specified; exactly.

   The house sat squarely in the middle of the park.

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squarely British  

/ ˈskwɛəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a direct way; straight

   he hit me squarely on the nose

2. in an honest, frank, and just manner

3. at right angles

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Etymology

Origin of squarely

First recorded in 1550–60; square + -ly

Example Sentences

Their omission signals that, this time, Canada's focus is squarely on trade.

From BBC

During the company’s earnings call, Huang replied to a question about the firm’s AI company investments by saying “our investments are focused very squarely, strategically on expanding and deepening our ecosystem reach.”

From Barron's

Supporters of Jackson say his legacy fits squarely within that tradition.

From Salon

“These products are commodity derivatives and squarely within the CFTC’s regulatory remit.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of the nearly two dozen agencies brought together in the largest government reorganization in decades fit squarely into this mission, while others didn’t.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• justly
• objectively