stern — serious, demanding, or forbidding in manner, attitude, or expression
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: serious, demanding, or forbidding in manner, attitude, or expression
Pronunciation (IPA): /stɜːrn/
Korean meaning: 엄격한, 단호한, 냉정한
Korean pronunciation: **스턴**
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's stern face could make cookies taste less sweet.
- The judge delivered a stern verdict to the criminal.
- The fish jumped from the stern of the boat as if trying to escape the captain's stern cooking.
stern
ADJECTIVE//stɜːrn//
serious, demanding, or forbidding in manner, attitude, or expression

A stern teacher disciplines the misbehaving student with firm authority
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Even the stern teacher's heart will turn when students truly learn!
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Start for Free🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English stearn meaning 'severe' or 'hard', which comes from Germanic roots relating to stiffness and rigidity. The nautical meaning (back of a ship) developed because this part was built to be especially sturdy and rigid.
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“My grandmother's stern face could make cookies taste less sweet.”
“The judge delivered a stern verdict to the criminal.”
“The fish jumped from the stern of the boat as if trying to escape the captain's stern cooking.”
“She gave him a stern reminder about the deadline.”
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