sternly en · ADV
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
- /ˈstɜːnli/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈstɝnli/ (General-American)
- stûrnʹlē (General-American)
Etymology
From Middle English sternly, sternely, sterneliche, sturnely, sturneliche, from Old English stirnlīċe, styrnlīċe, stiernlīċe (“harshly; severely; sternly”), equivalent to stern + -ly.
Meanings
-
In a stern manner.
It was a historic night at Wembley Stadium that saw the European champions sternly tested by Copa America winners Brazil, but ended with the familiar sight of captain Leah Williamson lifting a trophy.
2023 April 6, Emma Sanders, “Women's Finalissima:England beat Brazil in dramatic shhotout”, in BBC Sport:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| sternlier | Degree=Cmp | poetic, rare | lexicographic |
| more sternly | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| sternliest | Degree=Sup | poetic, rare | lexicographic |
| most sternly | Degree=Sup | lexicographic |