Standard Lemma guide

starkly

adv · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: S T AA1 R K L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adv

Meaning 1

In a stark manner; with great contrast.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The dark mountains stood out starkly against the pale sky.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in a blunt manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • in starkly realistic terms

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in sharp outline or contrast

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the black walls rose starkly from the snow

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adverb

Meaning 4

in a stark manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He was starkly unable to achieve coherence

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English starkli, starcliche, sterkliche, stercliche, from Old English stearclīċe (“strongly; stoutly; vigorously; vehemently; fiercely; strictly”), from Proto-Germanic *starkulīka (“strongly; stiffly”), from *starkulīkaz (“strong; rigid”), from *starkuz (“strong; stiff; stark”), equivalent to stark + -ly.