(~er, ~est)
1.
Stark choices or statements are harsh and unpleasant.
UK companies face a ~ choice if they want to stay competitive...
In his celebration speech, he issued a ~ warning to Washington and other Western capitals.
= harsh
ADJ
~ly
The point is a ~ly simple one.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj
2.
If two things are in ~ contrast to one another, they are very different from each other in a way that is very obvious.
...secret cooperation between London and Washington that was in ~ contrast to official policy.
ADJ
~ly
The outlook now is ~ly different.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj
3.
Something that is ~ is very plain in appearance.
...the ~ white, characterless fireplace in the drawing room.
ADJ
~ly
The desert was luminous, ~ly beautiful...
ADV: ADV adj, ADV with v