in a way that is sudden, clearly defined, or with a keen edge; abruptly or with intensity.
From 'sharp' (Old English 'scearp' meaning keen or severe) plus '-ly' (suffix forming adverbs). Maintains the original meaning of keenness or intensity now applied to actions or changes.
When something changes 'sharply'—like a stock price or a turn in weather—we use the same word we use for a knife's edge, showing how our language connects physical sharpness with sudden change.
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