Stern
stɜːrn
Definitions
2 meaningsSerious, firm, and unwilling to show kindness or pleasantness.
stɜːrn
Serious and uncompromising.
The captain gave a stern order.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is about to do something silly, and you give them a stern look to say, "Don't do that!" It's like when a teacher gives you a serious, no-nonsense look or says something important in a very serious voice. Basically, it is a serious, no-nonsense way of being.
👶 For kids: When someone is stern, it means they are being serious and strict. Like when your mom says 'no' and she means it!
More Examples
Her stern expression suggested she was not amused.
The principal issued a stern warning to the students.
How It's Used
"The teacher gave a stern warning about cheating."
"The judge delivered a stern rebuke to the defendant."
The rearmost part of a ship or boat.
stɜːrn
The rear part of a ship or boat.
The flag was flown at the stern of the vessel.
💡 Simply: Imagine a boat. The 'stern' is just the back part, like its bottom.
👶 For kids: The stern is the back part of a boat!
More Examples
He stood at the stern, watching the wake.
The ship's propellers were located under the stern.
How It's Used
"The lifeboat was launched from the stern."
"The captain kept a close watch on the waves at the stern of the ship."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
from stern to bow
From one end of a boat or ship to the other; completely.
"The ship was searched from stern to bow."
From Old English *stierne* ('severe, harsh').
The word 'stern' in its adjective sense has been used since Old English times, maintaining its meaning of severity and seriousness.
Memory tip
Think of a stern-faced parent scolding a child.