Stern
/stɜrn/
adjectivenounB2
Definition
As an adjective, stern describes someone who is very serious, firm, and does not show much emotion, especially when giving orders or rules. It can also describe a look or voice that is strict and not friendly. As a noun, stern means the rear end of a ship or boat.
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See It in Action
Serious and strict in behavior or appearance (adjective)
- •The teacher gave a stern warning to the students.
- •She spoke in a stern voice that made everyone listen.
- •His stern expression showed he was not joking.
The back part of a ship or boat (noun)
- •The sailors worked on the stern of the ship.
- •The boat's stern was damaged after the storm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "stern" like "strict" (A2 word), but even more serious and less friendly
- ✓Picture a teacher with a straight face and no smile, giving clear rules without jokes
- ✓It's the feeling when a parent says "No" firmly and you know they mean it
- ✓Sounds like "STERN" → imagine a firm star turning (stern) that never moves or changes its strict way
- ✓Think of the back part of a boat where the captain stands, looking serious and in control
- ✓NOT like "kind" (friendly, gentle), "stern" is serious and sometimes a little scary
- ✓NOT like "soft" or "easy," "stern" means hard and firm, no exceptions
- ✓As a ship part, NOT the front (bow) but the rear where the engine or steering is often located
Try Other Words
- •Severe: very serious or harsh (Use when the strictness is stronger and less forgiving)
- •Harsh: unpleasantly rough or strict (Use when the behavior feels unkind or cruel)
- •Rear: the back part of something (Use when talking about the back of a vehicle or object, like a ship)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No prefix or suffix; root word "stern")
- •Etymology: From Old English "styrne," meaning strict or severe
- •Historical development: Used since early English to describe serious or harsh behavior and the back of a ship
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe serious people, looks, voices, and the rear of boats or ships
Reflect & Connect
•When is it good to be stern, and when might it be too much?
•How does a stern attitude affect the way people listen or behave around you?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher's stern warning made the students ___ their behavior immediately.
2.When the coach spoke in a stern voice, the players knew they had to ___ harder.
3.Unlike a friendly smile, a stern look often shows ___ and seriousness.
4.The captain stood at the stern of the ship, watching the ___ behind them.
5.People usually respond to a stern order with ___, not laughter.
6.A stern parent may ___ rules clearly but might seem less warm.
7.The boat's stern was ___ after hitting the rocks during the storm.