English

edit

Etymology

edit

From Middle English sternly, sternely, sterneliche, sturnely, sturneliche, from Old English stirnlīċe, styrnlīċe, stiernlīċe (harshly; severely; sternly), equivalent to stern-ly.

Pronunciation

edit

Adverb

edit

sternly (comparative more sternly or (rare, poetic) sternlier, superlative most sternly or (rare, poetic) sternliest)

  1. In a stern manner.
    • 2023 April 6, Emma Sanders, “Women's Finalissima:England beat Brazil in dramatic shhotout”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      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.