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stern

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adjective \ˈstərn\

Definition of stern

  1. 1a :  having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner :  austereb :  expressive of severe displeasure :  harsh

  2. 2 :  forbidding or gloomy in appearance

  3. 3 :  inexorable stern necessity

  4. 4 :  sturdy, stout a stern resolve

sternly

adverb

sternness

play \ˈstərn-nəs\ noun

See stern defined for English-language learners

See stern defined for kids

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Examples of stern in a Sentence

  1. He gave me a stern look.

  2. the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him

Origin and Etymology of stern

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare


First Known Use: before 12th century

stern Synonyms

Synonyms
austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, strict, tough
Antonyms
clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient, tolerant
Related Words
demanding, exacting; uncharitable, unforgiving; adamant, adamantine, callous, hardened, hard-hearted, hard-line, immovable, implacable, inflexible, merciless, ossified, pitiless, relentless, rock-ribbed, stiff, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding; dour, gruff; ascetic (also ascetical), monastic, monkish; browbeating, bullying; determined, firm, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, unflinching; dogged, intractable, obstinate, relentless
Near Antonyms
easy, easygoing, laid-back, undemanding; charitable, kind, merciful, mild, patient, soft, softhearted; accepting, compromising, yielding; responsive, willing; acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, complaisant, compliant, flexible, pliable, pliant

Synonym Discussion of stern

severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. severe military discipline stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character. stern arbiters of public morality austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial. living an austere life in the country ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline. the ascetic life of the monks
2

stern

noun

Definition of stern

  1. 1 :  the rear end of a boat

  2. 2 :  a hinder or rear part :  the last or latter part

See stern defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of stern

Middle English, rudder, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn steering, rudder; akin to Old English stīeran to steer — more at steer


First Known Use: 14th century

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Stern

play
biographical name \ˈstərn\

Definition of Stern

  1. Isaac 1920–2001 American (Russian-born) violinist

Stern

biographical name

Definition of Stern

  1. Otto 1888–1969 American (German-born) physicist

Phrases Related to STERN

Related Phrases

STERN Defined for English Language Learners

stern

play
adjective

Definition of stern for English Language Learners

  • : very serious especially in an unfriendly way

  • : expressing strong disapproval or criticism

  • : not likely to change or become weaker

stern

noun

Definition of stern for English Language Learners

  • : the back part of a boat or ship

STERN Defined for Kids

1

stern

play
adjective \ˈstərn\

Definition of stern for Students

sterner

;

sternest

  1. 1 :  hard and severe in nature or manner :  very strict and serious a stern judge a stern warning

  2. 2 :  showing severe displeasure or disapproval The elder's stern expression softened. — Brian Jacques, Redwall

  3. 3 :  firm and not changeable She showed stern determination to succeed.

sternly

adverb speak sternly
2

stern

play
noun

Definition of stern for Students

  1. :  the rear end of a boat

Learn More about stern

  1. See words that rhyme with stern Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stern Spanish Central: Translation of stern Nglish: Translation of stern for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of stern for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stern

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Examples: stern in a Sentence
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