Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Sharply · Sharp·ly · IPA /ˈʃɑɹpli/ 01 adv. In a sharp manner,; keenly; acutely. 1. In a sharp manner,; keenly; acutely. “They are more sharply to be chastised and reformed than the rude Irish.” — Spenser. “The soldiers were sharply assailed with wants.” — Hayward. “You contract your eye when you would see sharply.” — Bacon.