stern
/stɜːn/ (bre, ipa) · [stˈɚn] /stɜːrn/ (ame, ipa) · [stˈɚn] /ˈstərn/ (ame, mw) · [stˈɚn] /stɝːn/ (ame, ipa)
stern — adjective
- sternpositive
- sternercomparative
- sternestsuperlative
1. describing a person’s expression, voice, or manner that is serious and strict, s
describing a person’s expression, voice, or manner that is serious and strict, showing that they strongly disapprove of something or expect others to obey.
Christopher gave his younger sister a stern look when she tried to grab his phone.
collocation: stern look / stern expression
The manager issued a stern warning to the team about missing the project deadline.
Judge Sayaka read the verdict with a stern expression that silenced the courtroom.
Noa spoke in a stern tone when telling the children to clean up their toys.
文法句型
stern + noun (look, warning, expression, face, voice)
be + stern + with + someone
用法筆記
Often describes visible signals of disapproval — a look, expression, tone, or warning. The person being strict or disapproving is typically in a position of authority (parent, teacher, manager, judge).
常見錯誤
2. describing work, a situation, or a duty that is very serious and demands great e
describing work, a situation, or a duty that is very serious and demands great effort and determination to deal with.
The new manager faced a stern test during the company's first month of financial trouble.
collocation: stern test
Owen knew that finding a job in a new country would be a stern challenge.
The team accepted the stern task of rebuilding the school after the earthquake.
Climate change presents a stern reality that world leaders cannot ignore.
- demanding
focuses on high requirements and expectations
- challenging
more positive tone; suggests opportunity for growth
- tough
more informal; emphasizes difficulty
- formidable
suggests intimidation or being daunting
文法句型
stern + noun (test, challenge, task, reality)
用法筆記
Only used attributively (before a noun). Does not work predicatively: ✨ 'The test was stern.' Unlike sense 1, this sense does not describe a person’s manner.
常見錯誤
stern — noun
- sternsingular
- sternsplural
1. the area found at the rear of sea vessels like ships and boats, positioned oppos
the area found at the rear of sea vessels like ships and boats, positioned opposite the front section (the bow).
The captain stood at the stern of the ship, watching the coastline fade away.
Sayaka tied the rope to a metal ring at the stern of the fishing boat.
prepositional phrase: at the stern of
The storm tore away part of the sailboat's stern, but the vessel stayed afloat.
Experienced sailors can tell a vessel's age by the shape of its stern.
文法句型
the stern of + noun (ship, boat, vessel)
at the stern
from stern to bow / from bow to stern
用法筆記
Technically restricted to boats and ships. Do not use for cars, trains, or aircraft (use 'rear' or 'back' instead). The opposite end is the bow or prow.
常見錯誤
2. the buttocks; the rounded sitting area at the back of a person’s lower body.
the buttocks; the rounded sitting area at the back of a person’s lower body.
Ravindra slipped on the wet floor and landed hard on his stern.
informal register: stern = buttocks
The toddler fell backward and sat down firmly on her stern.
After sitting on the wooden bench for hours, Niran's stern was quite sore.
The comedian made the audience laugh by joking about falling flat on his stern.
文法句型
possessive + stern (his stern, her stern)
用法筆記
Informal and mildly humorous. Avoid in formal or medical writing — use 'buttocks' or 'bottom' instead. Often used with possessive determiners (his, her, my).