starkly different

USAGE SUMMARY

"starkly different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very noticeable difference between two things. For example, "The two sides of the argument were starkly different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reality proved starkly different.

The Guardian

Yet now the picture is starkly different.

The New York Times

Their experience has been starkly different.

The New York Times

In Germany, the picture is starkly different.

The New York Times

In Pakistan, the situation is starkly different.

The New York Times

But the tones are starkly different.

The New York Times

The defendants had played starkly different roles.

The New York Times

The circumstances are starkly different too.

The Guardian - Music

But conditions this time are starkly different.

The New York Times

The campaigns are starkly different, too.

The New York Times

The 2016 campaign has been starkly different.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starkly different" to emphasize a significant and easily noticeable contrast between two or more things. This phrase adds impact and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "starkly different" for minor differences. Reserve it for situations where the contrast is truly significant to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starkly different" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "different". It highlights a significant contrast or dissimilarity between two or more entities, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starkly different" is a phrase used to emphasize a significant and easily noticeable contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "markedly dissimilar" or "sharply contrasting" exist, "starkly different" provides a strong and impactful way to highlight clear distinctions. When writing, reserve it for substantial differences to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vastly different

Replaces "starkly" with "vastly" emphasizing the magnitude of the difference.

sharply contrasting

Emphasizes the contrast between the two elements, using "sharply" to indicate a clear and distinct difference.

radically unlike

Emphasizes a fundamental dissimilarity, implying a deep and significant difference.

markedly dissimilar

Replaces the adverb "starkly" with "markedly", implying a noticeable difference but potentially less extreme.

noticeably different

Uses "noticeably" to indicate an easily observed or apparent difference.

utterly distinct

Emphasizes the completeness of the difference, implying no overlap or similarity.

distinctly disparate

Uses "disparate" to highlight the fundamental incompatibility or incongruity between the items being compared.

completely opposed

Suggests a direct conflict or antagonism between the two elements.

plainly contrasting

Highlights that the differences are obvious and easily noticeable.

patently divergent

Highlights a clear and obvious difference, suggesting a deviation from a common point.

FAQs

How can I use "starkly different" in a sentence?

You can use "starkly different" to highlight a significant contrast between two things. For example, "The approaches of the two candidates to the issue were "starkly different"".

What are some alternatives to "starkly different"?

Alternatives include "markedly dissimilar", "sharply contrasting", or "vastly different", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "starkly different" in formal writing?

Yes, "starkly different" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing a significant and easily noticeable contrast. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong emphasis.

What is the difference between "distinctly different" and "starkly different"?

"Distinctly different" implies a clear and easily recognizable difference, while "starkly different" suggests a more pronounced and striking contrast. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.