sharply

English

Etymology

sharp +‎ -ly

Pronunciation

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Adverb

sharply (comparative more sharply, superlative most sharply)

1. In a sharp manner; pertaining to precision.
   • 2011 November 11, Rory Houston, “Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland”, RTE Sport:

     Walters tried a long range shot in the third minute as he opened the game sharply, linking well with Robbie Keane, but goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko gathered the ball with ease.

2. Intellectually alert and penetrating.
   • 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 1, The Cuckoo in the Nest^[1]:

     Peter, after the manner of man at the breakfast table, had allowed half his kedgeree to get cold and was sniggering over a letter. Sophia looked at him sharply. The only letter she had received was from her mother. Sophia's mother was not a humourist.