easy
The cold wind blew harshly across the field.
What does Harshly mean?
Harshly means in a rough or severe way.
Dictionary definition
Harshly means in a rough, severe, or unkind way.
Example sentences
Harshly in a sentence
medium
The coach corrected the mistake firmly but not harshly.
hard
Writers may use harshly to show that words or conditions feel unpleasant and severe.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does harshly mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of harshly.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to harshly?
Severely is close in meaning to harshly.
Practice 3
Which word is most opposite in meaning to harshly?
Gently contrasts with harshly.
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Harshly
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Sounds like
harsh · lee · strongest beat: harsh
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordHarshly.
Partadverb.
MeaningHarshly means in a rough or severe way.
ExampleExample: The cold wind blew harshly across the field.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- harsh · lee
- Strongest beat
- harsh
- Ending
- lee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on harsh.
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Nice work—you practiced harshly.
Synonyms
Words like Harshly
severelyIn a strong or strict way.
roughlyIn a rough or unpleasant way.
sternlyIn a serious and strict way.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice harshly synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The cold wind blew harshly across the yard," then compare close word choices. Practice harshly synonyms.
Word family
Harshly word family
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Student support
Understand Harshly
Hint for students
Harshly means in a rough or severe way.
Common mix-up
Harshly is not the same as gently. Harshly means harshly means in a rough or severe way.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The coach corrected the mistake firmly but not harshly. Clue words: coach, corrected, mistake. Underline clue words that show why harshly fits instead of gently. Now write one new sentence that shows harshly without using the word harshly. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show harshly?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The coach corrected the mistake firmly but not harshly." Why does harshly fit better than gently?
Learning activities
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