sternly
gb/stˈɚnli/ us/stˈɚnli/
B2
English
~ 6000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a strict, disapproving way
In a very serious and strict way that shows you do not accept something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] [verb] sternly (at [someone])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "sternly" with "seriously". "Seriously" can mean "in an honest or important way" (e.g., "I seriously like this song"), while "sternly" always includes a sense of strictness or disapproval, usually in someone’s tone, words, or expression. Learners also sometimes write "very stern" instead of "sternly" with verbs; use "sternly" with actions ("she spoke sternly"), and "stern" as an adjective with nouns ("a stern teacher").
Synonyms
severely (Often sounds harsher and can suggest stronger criticism or punishment.)
|
strictly (Focuses more on following rules; less about facial expression or tone than "sternly".)
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gravely (Emphasizes seriousness and sadness more than strictness or disapproval.)
Antonyms
gently (Suggests a soft, kind manner, the opposite of a hard, strict one.)
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kindly (Shows warmth and friendliness instead of cold strictness.)
Collocations
look sternly
|say sternly
|ask sternly
|reply sternly
|warn sternly
|sternly told
Themes
emotions
|communication
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher looked at the noisy students sternly until the room fell silent.
- "That is enough," she said sternly, ending the argument.
- He was sternly warned that he would lose his job if he was late again.
- The judge spoke sternly to the defendant about his behavior in court.
- Her father shook his head sternly when she tried to make an excuse.
Learner examples
- The mother spoke sternly to her son after he broke the window.
- The coach looked sternly at the team when they did not listen.
- The police officer warned us sternly to stay behind the line.
- My boss answered me sternly and told me to finish the report today.
- The teacher said our names sternly when we were too loud.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sternly
IPA
GB/stˈɚnli/
US/stˈɚnli/
Syllables & stress
sternly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (sternly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: sternly
- Plural: sternlies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.