What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bruisingly
Example
The boxer delivered a bruisingly powerful punch to his opponent. [bruisingly: adverb]
Example
She was bruisingly critical of his work, leaving him feeling discouraged. [bruisingly: adverb]
harshly
Example
The teacher spoke harshly to the student, making them feel embarrassed. [harshly: adverb]
Example
He was harshly punished for breaking the rules. [harshly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harshly is more commonly used than bruisingly in everyday language. Harshly covers a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe various situations, while bruisingly is less common and more specific to physical impact or force.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bruisingly and harshly?
Both bruisingly and harshly can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bruisingly may sound more informal due to its association with physical impact, while harshly is more versatile and can be employed in different formality levels.
