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stern
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- pronunciation:
- stuhrn
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
sterner, sternest |
| definition 1: |
If a person or thing is stern, they are tough and not flexible.
The judge decided that the criminal should receive a stern punishment.If we do something wrong, my dad can be pretty soft, but my mom is always stern.- synonyms:
- severe, strict
- antonyms:
- soft
- similar words:
- determined, hard, rigid, stiff
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| definition 2: |
If someone has a stern expression, they look very serious. They seem calm, but they look angry or as if they are going to give you some very bad news.
The principal's face was stern, and then the boys knew that we were in big trouble.Lyla's dad gave her and her brother a stern look when they would not be quiet in church.Erica is a little afraid of her grandfather because he has a stern manner.- antonyms:
- friendly, gentle
- similar words:
- cold, gloomy, grave, hard, harsh, unkind
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| related words: |
strong |
| derivations: |
sternly (adj.), sternness (n.) |
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