| 释义 |
stern
I. \ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: from (assumed) Middle English sterne, from Old English stearn, a bird, probably tern — more at starling
dialect Britain : tern
II. \ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n, ˈstəin\ adjective
(-er/-est)
Etymology: Middle English sterne, stirne, stierne, from Old English styrne, stierne; akin to Old High German stornēn to startle, frighten, storrēn to project stiffly, Gothic andstaurran to scold, Old English starian to stare — more at stare
1.
a. : having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : severely strict : exacting, uncompromising, unbending, inflexible, rigorous, austere
< equally stern to himself and others >
< a stern discipline >
< stern taskmasters >
b. obsolete : lacking pity or mercy : cruel
c. : proceeding from or characteristic of a severe nature : expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
< a stern look >
< returned a stern answer >
2.
a. : forbidding or gloomy in appearance : lacking in pleasing or attractive aspects : inhospitable, uninviting
< a stern coastline >
< a stern land demanding much and returning little >
b. : rigorously severe in style : lacking enhancing ornamentation or softening detail
< a stern, sturdy, and purely utilitarian hall >
3. : of a compelling sort : inexorable
< yielding to stern necessity >
4. : of sturdy make or quality : having strong power to resist : stout
< made a stern resolve to win >
< only the sternest spirits can enjoy such a climate >
Synonyms: see severe
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English sterne, stirne, from sterne, stirne, adjective
: in a stern manner : sternly — often used in combination
< facing us with stern-set face >
IV. \ˈstern\
variant of starn
V. \ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n, ˈstəin, dial ˈstärn or ˈstȧn\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English sterne, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn act of steering, stȳra to steer — more at steer
1. obsolete
a. : the helm or tiller of a boat; also : rudder
b. : direction by or as if by a rudder : steerage
c. : a post of management or direction
< sit at chiefest stern of public weal — Shakespeare >
2. : the after or rear end of a ship; specifically : the portion of the hull abaft the rudderpost or sternpost — see counter illustration
3. : a hinder or rear part of something : the last or a latter part: as
a. : buttocks, rump, behind — not often in formal use
b. : tail 1a(1) — used of a hound
•
- by the stern
VI. verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English sternen, from sterne stern of a ship
transitive verb
1. obsolete : steer
2. : to move (a boat) stern first
intransitive verb
: to back water : row backward
VII. adjective
Etymology: stern (V)
1.
a. : of, relating to, or situated at or near the stern of a ship
b. : fastened or secured to or securing the stern
2. : following, pursuing, or characterized by pursuit astern |