Meaning & use
sternly
In a strict, serious, and uncompromising manner, especially when giving a warning.
See it in a sentence
The teacher looked sternly at the students who were talking during the test.
He spoke sternly to his son about the importance of honesty.
A note on using this word
Sternly usually describes tone or facial expression rather than physical harshness.
Words with a similar meaning
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