stern
adjective /stɜːn/
/stɜːrn/
(comparative sterner, superlative sternest)
Idioms - serious and often showing that you do not approve of somebody/something; expecting somebody to obey you synonym strict
- a stern face/expression/look
- a stern warning
- Her voice was stern.
- The police are planning sterner measures to combat crime.
Extra Examples- He quickly became notorious for his stern management.
- Her mother appeared, looking very stern.
- His voice was suddenly stern.
- She always seemed to have the same stern expression on her face.
- There was a hint of a smile on his usually rather stern face.
- serious and difficult
- a stern test of nerves
- We face stern opposition.
Word Originadjective Old English styrne, probably from the West Germanic base of the verb stare.
Idioms
be made of sterner stuff
- to have a stronger character and to be more determined in dealing with problems than other people
- Many would have given up, but Tim was made of sterner stuff.
