Pronunciation: /stɜrn/
noun the rear part of a ship or boat
A1 The captain's stern commands kept the crew in line.
A2 The teacher's stern look silenced the noisy students.
B1 His stern demeanor made it clear that he meant business.
B2 The judge's stern ruling left no room for negotiation.
C1 The CEO's stern decision had a significant impact on the company's future.
C2 The president's stern warning to the opposing party set the tone for future negotiations.
adjective having a serious and strict manner or attitude
A1 The teacher gave a stern look to the misbehaving student.
A2 The stern boss expected everyone to be on time for the meeting.
B1 The stern warning from the police officer made the driver slow down.
B2 The stern judge sentenced the criminal to life in prison.
C1 Her stern demeanor belied a kind heart underneath.
C2 The CEO's stern decision to cut costs led to layoffs in the company.
formal The teacher's stern expression indicated that she was not pleased with the students' behavior.
informal My mom gave me a stern warning about coming home late again.
slang The security guard was looking stern AF when I tried to sneak into the concert.
figurative The storm clouds gathered in a stern display of nature's power.
sterned
sterns
sterner
sternest
stern
will stern
have sterned
is sterning
stern
stern
to stern
sterning
sterned