squarely

[skwair-lee]

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.

squarely

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of squarely¹

First recorded in 1550–60; square + -ly

Example Sentences

He thinks Roblox fits squarely in this category, as a part of a long-term trend of social, user-generated media moving into the territory of traditional media.

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The Lexington plant is located just off Interstate 80 in Nebraska, squarely in a cattle country hotbed.

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“Projects like Mish and the Tesla Diner require a sharpness of focus and attention, and my focus and attention is now squarely on Mish.”

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Lady Constance rose and looked Penelope squarely in the eye.

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Those who don’t own stocks are squarely focused on the economy’s negatives.

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Related Words

• justly 
• objectively