sternly

As adverbs the difference between sternly and resolutely

is that sternly is in a stern manner while resolutely is in a resolute manner.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and adamantly

is that sternly is in a stern manner while adamantly is in an immovable or inflexible manner.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and seriously

is that sternly is in a stern manner while seriously is (manner) in a serious or literal manner.

As an adverb sternly

is in a stern manner.

As an adjective stiff is

of an object, rigid, hard to bend, inflexible.

As a noun stiff is

an average person, usually male, of no particular distinction, skill, or education, often a working stiff''''' or ''lucky '''stiff .

As a verb stiff is

to fail to pay that which one owes (implicitly or explicitly) to another, especially by departing hastily.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and crisply

is that sternly is in a stern manner while crisply is in a crisp manner.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and hardly

is that sternly is in a stern manner while hardly is (manner|obsolete) firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.

As an interjection hardly is

not really.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and severely

is that sternly is in a stern manner while severely is in a severe manner.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and strictly

is that sternly is in a stern manner while strictly is in a strict manner.

As adverbs the difference between sternly and stringently

is that sternly is in a stern manner while stringently is in a stringent manner.