stern
word
/ˈstɝn/
sturn
/stˈɜːn/
sturn
Definition
If someone is stern, they are very serious and strict, especially when they want people to follow rules or behave properly. It can describe a person, a look, a voice, or a warning.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for authority figures like parents, teachers, or bosses. 'Stern' suggests strictness and seriousness, but not necessarily anger or cruelty. Common combinations include 'a stern look', 'a stern voice', and 'a stern warning'.
Spanish: severo - estrictoPortuguese (BR): severo - rígidoPortuguese (PT): severo - austeroChinese (Simplified): 严厉的 - 严肃的Chinese (Traditional): 嚴厲的 - 嚴肅的Hindi: कठोर - सख्तArabic: صارم - شديدBengali: কঠোর - গম্ভীরRussian: строгий - суровыйJapanese: 厳しいVietnamese: nghiêm khắc - nghiêm nghịKorean: 엄격한 - 근엄한Turkish: sert - ciddiUrdu: سخت گیر - سنجیدہIndonesian: tegas - keras
Example Sentences
The teacher gave us a stern look.
basic
My dad sounded stern when I came home late.
basic
She gave him a stern warning not to do it again.
natural
The coach got stern after we stopped taking practice seriously.
natural
His email was polite, but the message was pretty stern.
natural
She has a stern face, but she is kind.
basic