stern
Stern describes someone or something that is serious, strict, and often shows disapproval. It is used to convey a sense of authority or a lack of warmth in someone's expression or behavior.
Use 'stern' to describe someone or something that is seriously strict and unyielding.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Serious and strict manner or appearance.
- Implies authority and lack of leniency.
- Used for people, expressions, and rules.
Summary
Use 'stern' to describe someone or something that is seriously strict and unyielding.
- Serious and strict manner or appearance.
- Implies authority and lack of leniency.
- Used for people, expressions, and rules.
Visualize a Strict Authority Figure
Think of a headteacher, a drill sergeant, or a judge delivering a verdict. Their demeanor is often described as stern.
Avoid Overuse in Casual Settings
Using 'stern' too often in friendly conversations might make you sound overly critical or unfriendly.
Cultural Views on Sternness
In some cultures, a more reserved or stern demeanor might be seen as respectful or professional, while in others, it might be perceived negatively.
Exemples
4 sur 4The drill sergeant had a stern voice that demanded obedience.
Her father gave her a stern look when she arrived home late.
The company implemented stern measures to cut costs.
Despite his stern appearance, he was known to be kind.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Imagine a 'stern' lighthouse keeper, always serious and watchful, standing firm against the storm. The word sounds a bit like 'stone', suggesting something unmoving and hard.
**Overview**
The word 'stern' is an adjective used to describe a serious, severe, or unsmiling manner or appearance. It often implies a lack of leniency or a firm, unwavering attitude. When applied to a person, it suggests they are not easily pleased and may be critical. When applied to things like rules or expressions, it indicates they are strict and unforgiving.
**Usage Patterns**
'Stern' is typically used to describe people's expressions, attitudes, or behavior. It can also describe abstract concepts like 'rules', 'discipline', or 'warnings' to emphasize their strictness. It is often contrasted with more lenient or cheerful descriptions. For example, a parent might have a stern look on their face when a child misbehaves, or a teacher might enforce stern rules in the classroom.
**Common Contexts**
You'll often find 'stern' used in contexts involving authority figures like parents, teachers, bosses, or police officers. It can also appear in descriptions of serious situations, such as a 'stern warning' from a government official or a 'stern reprimand' in a professional setting. In literature, a character might be described as having a 'stern demeanor' to establish their personality as unapproachable or formidable.
**Similar Words Comparison**
While 'stern' implies seriousness and strictness, other words have slightly different nuances. 'Strict' focuses more on the adherence to rules and regulations. 'Severe' suggests a harshness or intensity, often in punishment or consequences. 'Grave' implies deep seriousness, often related to important or somber matters. 'Austere' describes a simple, plain, and often strict way of living or behaving, with a lack of luxury or comfort. 'Stern' combines seriousness with a sense of unyielding authority and often a critical or disapproving aspect.
Notes d'usage
The word 'stern' is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe someone's demeanor or attitude. It carries a connotation of authority and seriousness. While it can be used neutrally to describe a strict but fair approach, it often implies a lack of warmth or approachability.
Erreurs courantes
Learners might sometimes use 'stern' interchangeably with 'serious' without capturing the added nuance of strictness or disapproval. Also, applying it to things that are inherently soft or pleasant (like 'a stern cup of tea') would be incorrect.
Astuce mémo
Imagine a 'stern' lighthouse keeper, always serious and watchful, standing firm against the storm. The word sounds a bit like 'stone', suggesting something unmoving and hard.
Origine du mot
The word 'stern' comes from Old English 'stierne', meaning 'hard, severe, cruel'. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages that convey harshness or severity.
Contexte culturel
In many Western cultures, a stern demeanor can be associated with authority, discipline, and respect, particularly in professional or educational settings. However, excessive sternness might be viewed as cold or intimidating.
Exemples
The drill sergeant had a stern voice that demanded obedience.
militaryHer father gave her a stern look when she arrived home late.
familyThe company implemented stern measures to cut costs.
businessDespite his stern appearance, he was known to be kind.
character descriptionFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
a stern father
stern disapproval
stern reality
Souvent confondu avec
'Serious' means not joking or being thoughtful. 'Stern' adds a layer of strictness, severity, or disapproval to that seriousness, often implying authority.
'Severe' often implies harshness or intensity, especially in terms of punishment or difficulty. 'Stern' focuses more on the strict, unyielding demeanor or expression.
Modèles grammaticaux
Visualize a Strict Authority Figure
Think of a headteacher, a drill sergeant, or a judge delivering a verdict. Their demeanor is often described as stern.
Avoid Overuse in Casual Settings
Using 'stern' too often in friendly conversations might make you sound overly critical or unfriendly.
Cultural Views on Sternness
In some cultures, a more reserved or stern demeanor might be seen as respectful or professional, while in others, it might be perceived negatively.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The teacher gave the students a ______ look when they started talking during the exam.
A 'stern' look conveys seriousness and disapproval, which fits the context of students talking during an exam.
Select the sentence that best uses the word 'stern'.
Which sentence uses 'stern' correctly?
A 'stern warning' implies it is serious and meant to be taken with great care. A smile is usually not stern, and food or weather discussions aren't typically described as stern.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence using 'stern'.
father / a / his / stern / had / expression / face / on
This sentence correctly uses 'stern' to describe the father's serious and possibly disapproving facial expression.
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot necessarily negative, but it implies a lack of warmth or leniency. It can be necessary for maintaining discipline or order, but it can also make someone seem unapproachable.
Yes, 'stern' can describe things like rules, policies, or even a ship's rear (though this is a less common usage for learners). When describing rules, it emphasizes their strictness.
'Serious' simply means not joking or being thoughtful, while 'stern' adds a layer of strictness, severity, or disapproval to that seriousness.
A 'stern' expression is one that looks serious, disapproving, or severe, often without smiling, signaling that the person is not pleased or is in a position of authority.
