What is another word for sternly?

Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnli] (IPA)

When we want to express a strict rebuke or command, we often use the word "sternly". However, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey a similar tone and attitude. One such word is "harshly", which implies a severity and sharpness in tone. "Firmly" is another option, indicating a strong level of insistence or demand. "Austere" is also a synonym, suggesting a sternness that is tempered by seriousness and lack of ornamentation. Other synonyms for "sternly" include "severely", "rigorously", "strictly", and "authoritatively". All of these words share the characteristic of conveying a no-nonsense approach to communication, but each brings its own nuance and shade of meaning.

Synonyms for Sternly:

What are the paraphrases for Sternly?

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What are the hypernyms for Sternly?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for sternly?

Antonyms for the word "sternly" include gently, kindly, softly, mildly, amiably, cordially, genially, and graciously. These antonyms convey a sense of warmth, friendliness, and compassion. While sternness implies a strict and uncompromising attitude, the antonyms suggest a more lenient and understanding approach. They are particularly useful when dealing with sensitive and emotional issues such as family matters, relationship problems, and personal struggles. By adopting a gentler tone, we can foster greater trust and openness, and ultimately help to resolve these issues more effectively.

Usage examples for Sternly

Among their adherents they also counted Miss Merton, who took no pains to conceal her open dislike for Marjorie, and Marcia Arnold, who even went so far as to try to explain the situation to Miss Archer and was sternly reminded that the principal would take no part in the private differences of her girls unless they had something to do with breaking the rules of the school.
"Marjorie Dean High School Freshman"
Pauline Lester
"Give it to Connie, this minute," she commanded sternly.
"Marjorie Dean High School Freshman"
Pauline Lester
Stas looked more and more sternly: "What of it?"
"In Desert and Wilderness"
Henryk Sienkiewicz

Famous quotes with Sternly

  • Duty - that which sternly impels us in the direction of profit, along the line of desire.
    Ambrose Bierce
  • In criticism I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me.
    Edgar Allan Poe
  • "Then those people are right who say that Heaven and Hell are only states of mind?" "Hush," he said sternly. "Do not blaspheme. Hell is a state of mind — ye never said a truer word. And every state of mind, left to itself, every shutting up of the creature within the dungeon of its own mind — is, in the end, Hell. But Heaven is not a state of mind. Heaven is reality itself. All that is fully real is Heavenly."
    C. S. Lewis
  • War is not a courtesy but the most horrible thing in life; and we ought to understand that, and not play at war. We ought to accept this terrible necessity sternly and seriously. It all lies in that: get rid of falsehood and let war be war and not a game. As it is now, war is the favourite pastime of the idle and frivolous.
    Leo Tolstoy
  • For people like us it is necessary to be a bit stronger, more self-critical, more observant than the usual run. Whether we happen to come already enhanced with these qualities, as some have claimed, or whether our situation invests them in us, we have traditionally - and we do have a long and proud tradition - been a little finer, a little firmer, more sensitive and flexible than others... There will be times when only your own spine can support you, moments when only your own wit can inspire you, days when nothing but exacting self-control can raise you from bed, nights when nothing but your word can impel you into society. But of all these disciplines, there is nothing you must hold to more sternly than to be kind and sympathetic. The easiest armor to put on is always cruelty. That armor will, indeed, see you through everything. Vicious condescension toward those without your strength can make you feel momentarily superior. But that easy armor must be forgone. Don't ever curdle that creamy brow with lines of easy disdain, or curl those lips with a popular sneer. Of all the models available, the one of gentleman in our late war is most succinct Face what you have to face with humor, dignity, and style; protect yourself with knightly grace; have contempt for your own weakness and never encourage it in others; but never, Ralph, never for an instant permit yourself to feel anything other than pity and deepest sympathy for unfortunate comrades who have, after all, fallen in the same battle.
    Robert Patrick (playwright)

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