severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.
severe military discipline
stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.
stern arbiters of public morality
austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.
living an austere life in the country
ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.
the ascetic life of the monks
Example Sentences
Adjective He gave me a stern look. the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
So all the major Na'vi performers are people of color, while the chief authoritarian Earthers are stern Lang and weaselly Giovanni Ribisi. Darren Franich, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2022 Sheryl Lee Ralph took home a long overdue Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as stern and seasoned teacher Barbara Howard after 44 years of doing it all on TV. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 13 Sep. 2022 Each shining bonnet guarded by stern lance-like leaves.WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Military and security analysts say the operation has demonstrated to the world — and in particular Kyiv’s Western allies — that Putin’s forces are drained and depleted by months of stern Ukrainian resistance. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2022 His voice, clear and confident, is by turns nakedly vulnerable and eerily stern, hovering over a raw and spooky sonic landscape that entwines Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson and David Lynch. Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2022 The eatery is run by stern, world-renowned Chef Slowik (played with quiet severity by Ralph Fiennes) and is located on a remote island somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Her stern expression from this event would later become a meme. Maria Mercedes Lara, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2022 The lithium battery packs, which have a capacity of 150 kWh are in two blocks between the engine and stern seating. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2022
Noun
The impressive performance is matched with enough volume at the stern for a tender garage capable of storing a Williams 345 SportJet. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2022 The lightest and most technically savvy rowers sit at the two ends—the eight (also known as stroke) and seven seats at the stern, setting the rhythm and pace of the boat, and the two and one seats at the bow keeping the vessel balanced. Kim O'connell, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2022 Christened Ono, the yacht has a wedge-like silhouette with a sharp reverse bow and a sleek superstructure that tapers to the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2022 Unlike most first-place teams, the Guardians don’t have a lineup wallpapered with sluggers from stem to stern. Jim Ingraham, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 The whitewater deck and cargo fly—along with the six grab loops on the bow and stern—allow for secure storage of gear while tackling Class III rapids.Outside Online, 23 June 2022 The rear entrances for the split-level decks are wide open, allowing excellent visibility of the stern and sea from anywhere inside, but also creating a clear link between upstairs and downstairs. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2022 That was when a humpback breached right next to the boat, rose into the air, and slammed down on the bow of the vessel, its weight so much greater than the entire boat itself that the stern and the engine were lifted out of the water. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2022 Viral video posted online shows Freya climbing into the stern of boats, basking in the sun, struggling to support her bulk, while other times flipping them. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 26 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare
Noun
Middle English, rudder, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn steering, rudder; akin to Old English stīeran to steer — more at steer
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a