Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - sharply

~ adv 1 »SPEAK/LOOK« in a severe and disapproving way  ("What do you mean by that?" Paul asked sharply. | I glanced at her sharply, but said nothing. | sharply critical (=very critical and disapproving)) 2 »CHANGE« if something rises, falls etc sharply, it rises or falls quickly and suddenly  (Prices have risen sharply over the last few months.) 3 »MOVE« quickly and suddenly  (She heard a noise behind her and turned around sharply.) 4 »SHOW DIFFERENCES« clearly and definitely  (Opinion is sharply divided.) 5 sharply contrasted/contrasting very different  (His aggressive behaviour contrasted sharply with the mild manners of his brother.)