stark

/stɑːk/ (bre, ipa) · [stˈɑrk] /stɑːrk/ (ame, ipa) · [stˈɑrk] /ˈstärk/ (ame, mw)

stark — adjective

  • starkpositive
  • starkercomparative
  • starkestsuperlative

1. describes a difference, fact, or warning that is extremely clear, sharply define

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a difference, fact, or warning that is extremely clear, sharply defined, and often unpleasant to face.

例句

The report showed a stark contrast between rich districts and villages hit by floods.

stark contrast between two conditions

After the layoffs, the memo was a stark warning that more cuts were coming.

stark warning + that-clause

同義詞
  • harsh

    focuses more on severity or cruelty, while 'stark' stresses how plainly something stands out

  • striking

    can describe any strong visual effect, even a positive one; 'stark' is usually more severe

  • blunt

    is mainly used for direct speech, while 'stark' often describes facts or contrasts

反義詞
  • subtle

    not immediately obvious or strongly marked

  • muted

    softened in colour, tone, or effect

文法句型

stark + noun

be + stark

in stark contrast to

用法筆記

Common with nouns like 'contrast', 'truth', 'warning', 'reminder', and 'reality'. It says that something stands out so strongly that it feels difficult or unpleasant to ignore.

常見錯誤

❌The two shades of paint were stark, though visitors could hardly tell them apart.
✅The two shades of paint were only slightly different.
💡'stark' is for contrasts that are obvious, not barely visible.
❌The speech offered a stark compliment about the volunteers.
✅The speech offered a stark warning about the flood risk.
💡This sense usually points to an unpleasant fact, difference, or message.

2. describes a place, object, or style that looks severe because it has almost no d

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a place, object, or style that looks severe because it has almost no decoration, colour, or extra things.

例句

The stark hospital room contained only a white bed and a grey metal chair.

stark + noun describing a bare room

Talia prefers the stark look of wooden furniture left completely unpainted.

同義詞
  • bare

    focuses on the absence of covering or contents, while 'stark' adds a severe visual effect

  • austere

    is more formal and often suggests deliberate simplicity rather than mere plainness

  • bleak

    adds emotional coldness or hopelessness, while 'stark' can stay more visual

反義詞
  • ornate

    covered with decorative detail

  • welcoming

    comfortable and softened rather than severe

文法句型

stark + noun

be + stark

用法筆記

Common with nouns for rooms, landscapes, furniture, and visual style. It focuses on the severe look created when almost nothing softens or decorates the scene.

常見錯誤

❌The apartment felt stark because it had red curtains and gold lamps.
✅The apartment felt stark because it had white walls and almost no furniture.
💡'stark' suggests severe plainness, not rich decoration.
❌The blanket feels stark against my skin.
✅The room looks stark after we removed the rugs and curtains.
💡This sense usually describes visual appearance, not physical texture.

3. used before certain mainly negative nouns to stress that something is complete,

3.形容詞B2
釋義

used before certain mainly negative nouns to stress that something is complete, extreme, and not softened in any way.

例句

The government's decision to close the only local hospital was described as stark madness.

stark + negative abstract noun

Diya felt stark terror when she saw the snake slide toward the children.

同義詞
  • utter

    is the closest everyday equivalent, though 'utter' is often a little more common

  • sheer

    works with many nouns, but its collocations are broader and less severe than 'stark'

  • absolute

    sounds more formal and can describe rules or certainty as well as intensity

反義詞
  • slight

    small in degree rather than extreme

  • limited

    restricted or incomplete rather than total

文法句型

stark + negative abstract noun

用法筆記

This intensifying sense stays before a noun and usually appears with serious or negative abstract nouns such as 'terror', 'poverty', or 'madness'. English does not use it as freely as more general intensifiers like 'complete' or 'utter'.

常見錯誤

❌Her fear was stark, and she could hardly speak.
✅She felt stark terror and could hardly speak.
💡As an intensifier, this sense normally goes before a noun.
❌He felt stark joy when the baby smiled.
✅He felt stark terror when the floor began to shake.
💡This intensifier is mostly used with negative or serious abstract nouns.

stark — adverb