only before nounused for emphasizing the amount or degree of somethingMaya succeeded through sheer hard work.
the sheer size/volume etc of something: We were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work.
sheer weight of numbers (=the simple fact of being much greater in number): In the end, they overcame the enemy through sheer weight of numbers.
(by) sheer luck/coincidence: By sheer coincidence, we ended up working for the same organization.
sheer delight/joy/exhaustion etc: He sat down and wept out of sheer joy.
sheer hell/torture: The journey to work every day was sheer hell.