sternly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: - In a serious, strict, or severe manner, often showing disapproval or expecting obedience. It conveys a tone that is firm, unyielding, and lacking in warmth or leniency.
Usage
The adverb "sternly" is used to modify a verb, describing how an action (especially speaking, looking, or behaving) is performed. It indicates a manner that is harsh, authoritative, and uncompromising.
Examples
- The teacher looked sternly at the students who were talking during the exam.
- "You must apologize immediately," he said sternly.
- The judge sternly warned the defendant about the consequences of further violations.
- She shook her head sternly when her child asked for more candy before dinner.
Advanced Usage
- "to speak sternly": To talk in a firm, authoritative, and disapproving way.
- The principal spoke sternly to the bullies about their behavior.
- "to gaze/look/glare sternly": To look at someone with a severe, disapproving expression.
- The officer gazed sternly at the driver who had run the red light.
Variants and Related Words
- Stern (adjective): Having a severe, strict, or serious appearance or manner.
- He had a stern expression on his face.
- Sternness (noun): The quality of being stern.
- The sternness in her voice was unmistakable.
Synonyms
- Severely: In a strict or harsh manner.
- Harshly: In a cruel or unkind way.
- Strictly: In a way that demands obedience to rules.
- Grimly: In a very serious, gloomy, or forbidding manner.
Antonyms
- Gently: In a mild, kind, or soft manner.
- Kindly: In a kind, warm, or gentle way.
- Leniently: In a way that is not strict or severe in punishment.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To take a stern line/view": To adopt a strict and uncompromising position on an issue. (Note: This uses the adjective "stern," not the adverb "sternly").
- The government is taking a stern line on tax evasion.
Adverb
- with sternness; in a severe manner
- `No,' she said sternly
- peered severely over her glasses