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Definition of sternness

sternness

/ˈstɝːn.nəs/
stern · ness
Adverb:sternly
•
Adjective:stern
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sternness Lexical Profile

sternness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A serious, grim, or forbidding quality in a person's facial expression, voice, or demeanor.

Example

"The judge spoke with a quiet sternness that immediately silenced the courtroom."

2

The quality or state of being strict, unrelenting, and uncompromising in authority, discipline, or judgment.

Example

"Despite the teacher's initial sternness, the students soon realized she cared deeply about their academic growth."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sternness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sternness

• Nearby Words

stern
sternbergia
sternly
sternness
sternum
steroid
stethoscope

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Old English 'styrne' (meaning severe or strict) combined with the Old English noun-forming suffix '-nes'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sternness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sternness
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