stern

stern — adjective

IPA/stɜːn/
KK[stˈɚn]IPA/stɜːrn/
  • sternpositive
  • sternercomparative
  • sternestsuperlative

1. describing a person’s expression, voice, or manner that is serious and strict, s

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

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.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • stern look
  • stern warning
  • stern expression
  • stern face
  • stern voice
  • stern tone
  • stern with
Synonyms
  • strict

    focuses on rules and discipline rather than personal manner or expression

  • severe

    stronger intensity, often implies punishment or harsh conditions

  • harsh

    suggests unkindness, roughness, or lack of warmth

  • firm

    less negative connotation; suggests strength of character without disapproval

Antonyms
  • lenient

    opposite of strict; allows freedom and does not punish

  • gentle

    opposite of harsh; kind and mild in manner

Grammar Patterns

stern + noun (look, warning, expression, face, voice)

be + stern + with + someone

Usage Note

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).

Common Mistakes

She gave him a stern smile.
She gave him a stern look.
'stern' collocates with negative expressions of disapproval, not with positive ones like a smile.
The rules are very stern in this school.
The rules are very strict in this school.
'stern' describes a person’s manner or expression, not rules or regulations.

2. describing work, a situation, or a duty that is very serious and demands great e

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

describing work, a situation, or a duty that is very serious and demands great effort and determination to deal with.

Example

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.

Common collocations
  • stern test
  • stern challenge
  • stern task
  • stern reality
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • easy

    opposite of difficult; requiring little effort

  • simple

    not complicated or demanding

Grammar Patterns

stern + noun (test, challenge, task, reality)

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

The exam was very stern.
The exam was a stern test of our abilities.
'stern' in this sense is only used before specific nouns (test, challenge, task), not as a standalone description.
Idioms

be made of sterner stuff

idiom

To have a very strong personality and not give up easily when facing difficulties.

While others quit the race, Maya was made of sterner stuff.

Is Brian made of sterner stuff than his brother?

stern — noun

IPA/stɜːn/
KK[stˈɚn]IPA/stɝːn/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four describe a demanding or unyielding attitude, but they differ in focus and tone. 'Strict' emphasizes rule enforcement and discipline (“The school has strict dress code rules”). 'Severe' carries stronger intensity and often implies punishment or suffering (“The judge imposed a severe penalty”). 'Harsh' suggests roughness, unkindness, or lack of warmth (“Harsh criticism made the student cry”). 'Firm' is the most neutral and can even be positive, conveying resoluteness without disapproval (“The coach was firm but fair with the players”). 'Stern' sits between strict and severe on the intensity scale — it describes a serious, disapproving expression or manner rather than a system of rules. Use a stern look when you want someone to know you disapprove without needing to say a word.

strict ↗severe ↗harsh ↗firm ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • at the stern of
  • from bow to stern

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The adjective 'stern' (severe, strict) comes from Old English 'styrne', meaning severe or strict. The noun 'stern' (back of a ship) comes from a different source — Old Norse 'stjórn', meaning steering or rudder, related to the verb 'steer'. The two words share the same spelling in modern English but have completely different historical origins.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Noun