B2adjectiveemotionsrelationships
US/stɜːrn/
UK/stɜːn/
serious and strict, often showing that you do not approve of something
In context
Our maths teacher looked stern, but she was actually very kind.
The manager gave the late staff a stern warning.
My father's stern face told me I was in trouble.
Words that go with stern
adjective + noun
- stern warningThe police issued a stern warning to drunk drivers.
- stern lookShe gave him a stern look when he took out his phone.
- stern voice"Sit down," he said in a stern voice.
- stern faceThe guard had a stern face and didn't smile once.
verb + adjective
- look sternJudges often look stern in court.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
My school has very stern rules.Correct: My school has very strict rules.