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sternly
01
in a strict and serious way, especially when showing disapproval or giving orders
Examples
The teacher looked at the noisy class and sternly told them to quiet down.
She sternly reminded her son that lying would not be tolerated.
1.1
in a hard or demanding way that puts something or someone under intense strain or challenge
Examples
The freezing wind sternly pushed against our faces as we climbed.
His leadership was sternly tested during the crisis.
Lexical Tree
sternly
stern
