# harshly

**Pronunciation:** /ˈhɑːrʃli/ · harsh-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a severe, strict, or unkind way; with a rough or unpleasant effect.

## Examples

- The critic reviewed the new film quite harshly, pointing out every flaw.
- The winter wind blew harshly against their faces as they walked through the snow.
- He was punished harshly for his repeated disobedience in class.

## Synonyms

- severely — Emphasizes strictness or seriousness, often in punishment or criticism.
- sternly — Suggests a serious, unsmiling, and authoritative manner.
- cruelly — Implies intentional infliction of pain or suffering, more extreme than 'harshly'.
- acrimoniously — Describes speech or behavior full of bitterness and ill will.

## Antonyms

- gently — With tenderness or mildness, opposite of severe or rough.
- kindly — In a benevolent or friendly manner.
- mildly — In a moderate or gentle way, without severity.

## Common patterns

- speak harshly — To talk in a severe or unkind tone. — She regretted speaking so harshly to her friend during the argument.
- react harshly — To respond in a severe or extreme way. — The government reacted harshly to the protests, deploying riot police.
- harshly worded — Describing something written or spoken using severe or critical language. — The letter was harshly worded, leaving no doubt about their displeasure.

## Collocations

- judge harshly — It's unfair to judge someone so harshly without knowing their full story.
- criticize harshly — The coach criticized the team harshly after their poor performance.
- treat harshly — The new manager was known to treat his employees quite harshly.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/harshly

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