How Do You Spell SHEER?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "sheer" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ʃɪr/. The initial "sh" sound is represented by the "sh" letter combination, while the "ee" sound is spelled using the "ee" vowel combination. The final "r" sound is pronounced but not always written in words like "sheer," which is called a silent consonant. This word means transparent or very thin and can also refer to an abrupt or sudden change in direction or action.

SHEER Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "sheer" is a versatile adjective that can be defined in multiple ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In its primary sense, "sheer" refers to something being absolute, complete, or unmitigated, often suggesting pure or undiluted quality. For instance, if an individual displays sheer determination, it indicates that they possess an unwavering and resolute commitment towards achieving a particular goal.

    "Sheer" can also describe something as being very steep or almost vertical. Applied to physical objects or surfaces, it implies towering height or extreme upright inclination. For example, a cliff face can be described as sheer if it has a sharp, precipitous, and near-90-degree angle.

    Additionally, "sheer" can denote something being transparent or diaphanous. This interpretation is often employed to describe thin, delicate fabrics that allow light to pass through them. A garment made from sheer material may be see-through or translucent, providing a subtle glimpse of the skin beneath.

    In figurative terms, "sheer" can convey a sense of astonishment, emphasizing the seemingly unbelievable or improbable nature of an event or outcome. It is commonly used to express shock or surprise at the sheer audacity of a statement or action.

    In summary, "sheer" encompasses several definitions, including absolute or complete, steep or vertical, transparent or diaphanous, and astonishment or disbelief. Its usage varies widely across different domains, emphasizing the adaptability and versatility of the term.

  2. • Pure; separate from anything else; mere; unmingled.
    • Perpendicular; straight up and down.
    • The longitudinal curve or line which a ship's deck or sides presents to the eye.
    • Among seamen, to deviate from the line of the proper course, as a ship when not well steered; to turn aside.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SHEER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SHEER

Etymology of SHEER

The word "sheer" has origins in Old English and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *skīrjōną. This word had a basic meaning of "clear" or "pure". In Middle English, it evolved into "shere" and then "scheer", retaining its original meaning. Over time, the spelling shifted to "sheer" by the 16th century, but the pronunciation remained relatively unchanged. Today, "sheer" is used to describe things that are transparent, pure, or extremely steep.

Idioms with the word SHEER

  • by (sheer) force/weight of numbers The idiom "by (sheer) force/weight of numbers" refers to achieving a goal or overpowering others through the sheer advantage of having a greater quantity of people or resources. It implies that the advantage lies in the sheer numerical superiority rather than any specific skill or strategy.

Similar spelling words for SHEER

Plural form of SHEER is SHEERS

Conjugate verb Sheer

CONDITIONAL

I would sheer
we would sheer
you would sheer
he/she/it would sheer
they would sheer

FUTURE

I will sheer
we will sheer
you will sheer
he/she/it will sheer
they will sheer

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sheered
we will have sheered
you will have sheered
he/she/it will have sheered
they will have sheered

PAST

I sheered
we sheered
you sheered
he/she/it sheered
they sheered

PAST PERFECT

I had sheered
we had sheered
you had sheered
he/she/it had sheered
they had sheered

PRESENT

I sheer
we sheer
you sheer
he/she/it sheers
they sheer

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sheered
we have sheered
you have sheered
he/she/it has sheered
they have sheered
I am sheering
we are sheering
you are sheering
he/she/it is sheering
they are sheering
I was sheering
we were sheering
you were sheering
he/she/it was sheering
they were sheering
I will be sheering
we will be sheering
you will be sheering
he/she/it will be sheering
they will be sheering
I have been sheering
we have been sheering
you have been sheering
he/she/it has been sheering
they have been sheering
I had been sheering
we had been sheering
you had been sheering
he/she/it had been sheering
they had been sheering
I will have been sheering
we will have been sheering
you will have been sheering
he/she/it will have been sheering
they will have been sheering
I would have sheered
we would have sheered
you would have sheered
he/she/it would have sheered
they would have sheered
I would be sheering
we would be sheering
you would be sheering
he/she/it would be sheering
they would be sheering
I would have been sheering
we would have been sheering
you would have been sheering
he/she/it would have been sheering
they would have been sheering