squarely
UK: ˈskweəli | US: ˈskwerli
adv. directly or firmly (e.g., "He looked her squarely in the eye.")
adv. honestly or fairly (e.g., "She dealt squarely with the issue.")
adv. in a square shape or manner (e.g., "The tiles fit squarely together.")
The word "squarely" derives from the noun/adjective "square," which originated from Old French "esquare" (a square tool for measuring right angles), itself from Latin "exquadra" (to make square). The "-ly" suffix is a common Germanic adverbial marker, turning "square" into an adverb. Over time, "square" evolved to symbolize fairness ("a square deal") and directness, which carried into "squarely." The word's progression reflects how geometric precision metaphorically extended to behavioral traits like honesty and straightforwardness.
She stood squarely in front of the mirror, adjusting her tie.
The manager addressed the complaint squarely, without evasion.
The box landed squarely on the target.
He answered the question squarely, despite its difficulty.
The two theories collide squarely on this issue.