What is stern? Pronunciation and usage in English

stern means . Learn how to pronounce and use stern through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of stern

sternadjective

/stɜːn//stɜːrn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stern." It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "st" sounds like "st" in "stop": This is the foundation. It's a short, sharp "st" sound.

2. The Vowel:

  • "er" sounds like "air": Not exactly like the word "air," but a quick, open "ah" sound – like you’re saying “ah” very quickly. Think of it as a short, breathy “ah.”

3. The "n":

  • "n" sounds like "n" in "now": A standard "n" sound.

Putting it all together:

The typical pronunciation is: stɜːrn (British English) or stern (American English).

  • stɜːrn (British): Say "st" like in "stop," then a quick “ah” sound, and then “ern” like “urn.”

  • stern (American): Say “st” like in “stop,” then a quick “ah” sound, and then “ern.”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn pronunciation is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "stern" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (This will give you a British English pronunciation.)
    • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern (Listen to the pronunciation button.)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce stern" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Record myself saying "stern"?
  • Focus on the difference in pronunciation between British and American English?

Usage and examples with the word stern in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stern" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Stern (as in a Face/Expression - Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes a serious, forbidding, and often angry expression on someone's face. It suggests a lack of warmth or friendliness.
  • Synonyms: grim, severe, forbidding, harsh, critical, unsmiling.
  • Examples:
    • “The teacher gave a stern look to the student who was talking during the test.”
    • "His stern face made me nervous."
    • "She delivered the news with a stern voice and expression."
    • "He maintained a stern silence throughout the meeting."

2. Stern (as in a Ship's Stern)

  • Meaning: The rear end of a ship. It’s the part that pushes water backward to propel the vessel forward.
  • Examples:
    • “The captain steered the ship toward the stern.”
    • “The stern of the boat was dangerously close to the rocks.”
    • “We need to check the alignment of the stern.”

3. Stern (as in Character – Firm and Determined)

  • Meaning: Describes a person who is uncompromising, resolute, and demands obedience. They are not easily swayed and are known for their discipline.
  • Synonyms: rigid, uncompromising, resolute, inflexible, authoritative, strict.
  • Examples:
    • “He was a stern leader who expected his team to follow his instructions exactly.”
    • “Her stern nature made her a respected figure in the community.”
    • “Despite his stern reputation, he was secretly a kind man.”

4. Stern (as in Severe in Tone - Less Common)

  • Meaning: Describes language or a message that is blunt, harsh, and without tact.
  • Synonyms: blunt, severe, harsh, uncompromising, direct.
  • Examples:
    • “He gave me a stern warning about the consequences of my actions.”
    • “The letter was written in a stern tone, demanding immediate payment.”

Tips for Using "Stern" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "stern" is heavily dependent on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and situation to determine which meaning is intended.
  • Tone: The word carries a negative connotation, suggesting seriousness, disapproval, or rigidity.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of writing or conversation are you planning to use the word "stern"? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, everyday conversation)

Synonyms for the word stern

Idioms of the word stern

be made of sterner stuff
to have a stronger character and to be more determined in dealing with problems than other people
  • Many would have given up, but Tim was made of sterner stuff.

Practice with vocabulary stern

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee issued a _____ admonition regarding the breach of protocol.
  2. His _____ expression showed that he was not pleased with the project's progress.
  3. The new regulations are quite _____, requiring detailed documentation for every transaction.
  4. She always approaches her work with meticulous attention to detail and a highly _____ attitude.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describes a person who is very serious, unyielding, and strict in their demeanor or discipline? a) Lenient b) Amiable c) Stern d) Flexible e) Easygoing

  2. The company issued a severe warning about data security. Which words could replace "severe" in this context? a) Gentle b) Harsh c) Stern d) Lenient e) Strict

  3. To describe a highly disciplined approach to problem-solving, you might use: a) A casual methodology b) A lenient framework c) A stern hand d) An uncompromising strategy e) A rigorous process

  4. Which words describe a person who is highly adaptable and open to compromise? a) Inflexible b) Resolute c) Malleable d) Unwavering e) Flexible

  5. Which adjective suggests a task that requires intense focus and careful adherence to rules? a) Trivial b) Undemanding c) Punctilious d) Insignificant e) Exacting

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The principal's very serious look indicated his displeasure with the students' behavior. (Rewrite using "stern" or a related word form.)
  2. The government decided to implement a much stricter policy regarding environmental protection. (Rewrite using "stern" or a related word form.)
  3. It is important for project managers to be absolutely unwavering in their commitment to deadlines. (Rewrite the sentence, but do not use "stern" or its related forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. stern
  2. stern
  3. stringent
  4. diligent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Stern
  2. b) Harsh, c) Stern, e) Strict
  3. c) A stern hand, d) An uncompromising strategy, e) A rigorous process
  4. c) Malleable, e) Flexible
  5. c) Punctilious, e) Exacting

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The principal's stern look indicated his displeasure with the students' behavior.
  2. The government decided to implement a much sterner policy regarding environmental protection.
  3. It is important for project managers to be absolutely resolute in their commitment to deadlines.

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