pointedly

This adverb describes actions or statements designed to be noticed, where the meaning is conveyed not just through words, but through a deliberate, sharp manner of delivery. It often carries a negative or confrontational undertone, suggesting a desire to make someone feel uncomfortable or to signal disapproval without stating it explicitly.

In professional or social settings, using this word implies a level of passive-aggression or strategic directness. While it can mean simply being explicit, it most frequently describes a "pointed" remark or gesture intended to sting or provoke a reaction from the recipient.