What does the word stern mean?

    Part of speech: noun

  • The aft part of a ship, boat, etc.

  • Part of speech: adverb

  • Sternly.

  • Part of speech: adjective

  • Marked by severity; repelling.

Usage examples for stern

  1. With tears which he saw not, Rachel looked at the stern, selfish old man, whom she called her father. – Rachel Gray by Julia Kavanagh
  2. " No." The captain was silent a full minute, and his face grew stern. – Christmas Eve on Lonesome and Other Stories by John Fox, Jr.
  3. His eyes were as stern as his lips. – The Sisters-In-Law by Gertrude Atherton
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