adj. stern·er, stern·est 2. Showing or expressing displeasure or disapproval; forbidding or harsh: a stern face; a stern voice. 3. Firm or unyielding; uncompromising: stern resistance. 4. Difficult to endure; oppressive: stern necessity. [Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; see ster-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] sternly adv. sternness n. |
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