Definition of stern

sternadjective

đuôi tàu

/stɜːn//stɜːrn/

The word "stern" has a fascinating history! It originated from the Old English word "stern", which means "serious" or "grave". This sense of gravity or solemnity is still maintained in modern English. However, the word "stern" has undergone a significant shift in meaning over time. In the 14th century, "stern" began to take on a nautical connotation, referring to the back or rear of a ship. This sense likely arose from the idea that the stern was the most serious or imposing part of the vessel. From there, the term "stern" evolved to describe someone or something that is strict, firm, or authoritarian, much like the stern of a ship is unyielding and unwavering. Today, "stern" encompasses these multiple meanings, from describing a person's serious demeanor to describing the rear of a ship or even a stern-like object.

namespace

serious and often showing that you do not approve of somebody/something; expecting somebody to obey you

nghiêm túc và thường thể hiện rằng bạn không tán thành ai/điều gì đó; mong đợi ai đó vâng lời bạn

Example:
  • a stern face/expression/look

    một khuôn mặt/biểu cảm/cái nhìn nghiêm nghị

  • a stern warning

    lời cảnh báo nghiêm khắc

  • Her voice was stern.

    Giọng cô nghiêm nghị.

  • The police are planning sterner measures to combat crime.

    Cảnh sát đang lên kế hoạch các biện pháp mạnh mẽ hơn để chống tội phạm.

Extra examples:
  • He quickly became notorious for his stern management.

    Ông nhanh chóng trở nên khét tiếng vì sự quản lý nghiêm khắc của mình.

  • Her mother appeared, looking very stern.

    Mẹ cô xuất hiện, trông rất nghiêm nghị.

  • His voice was suddenly stern.

    Giọng anh đột nhiên nghiêm nghị.

  • She always seemed to have the same stern expression on her face.

    Cô ấy dường như luôn có vẻ mặt nghiêm nghị như vậy.

  • There was a hint of a smile on his usually rather stern face.

    Trên khuôn mặt thường ngày khá nghiêm nghị của anh thoáng hiện một nụ cười.

Related words and phrases

serious and difficult

nghiêm trọng và khó khăn

Example:
  • a stern test of nerves

    một cuộc kiểm tra thần kinh nghiêm khắc

  • We face stern opposition.

    Chúng tôi phải đối mặt với sự phản đối gay gắt.

Related words and phrases

Idioms

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.