How Do You Spell STERN?

Pronunciation: [stˈɜːn] (IPA)

The word "stern" is spelled with the letters S-T-E-R-N. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), it is transcribed as /stɜrn/. The "s" at the beginning is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, the "t" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar stop, and the "e" is pronounced as an open-mid central vowel. The "r" is a retroflex approximant, and the "n" is an alveolar nasal. The spelling of "stern" remains consistent with its pronunciation in English.

STERN Meaning and Definition

  1. Stern is an adjective that is used to describe something or someone that displays firmness, strictness, or seriousness in their demeanor, behavior, or actions. It typically refers to a person, their facial expression, or the tone of their voice. When someone is described as stern, it means that they are uncompromising, serious, and unyielding in their approach.

    In appearance, stern may refer to a person having a serious, severe, or harsh expression. It often connotes a lack of friendliness or warmth. Furthermore, a stern person is someone who maintains discipline, control, and authority, often adhering to rules and regulations with strictness and severity.

    Stern is also commonly used to describe the tone or style of someone's speech. In this context, it denotes a serious or strict manner of speaking, lacking humor or leniency.

    The term may also refer to the rear section of a boat or ship, typically situated above the waterline. This definition highlights the structural part responsible for balance, buoyancy, and steering.

    Overall, whether describing a person, expression, speech, or vessel, stern refers to a quality or aspect characterized by seriousness, strictness, and a firm approach.

  2. • Severe in countenance, in manners, or in feelings; harsh; unrelenting.
    • The after-part of a ship.

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

Top Common Misspellings for STERN *

* 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 STERN

Etymology of STERN

The word "stern" originates from Middle English "sterne", which came from Old English "styrne". In Old English and Middle English, "styrne" referred to the rear or back part of a ship. It is thought to have derived from Proto-Germanic "sternō", meaning "stern" or "rear" of a ship. The Proto-Germanic term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*stera-" or "*sterh₁-", which has the same meaning. Over time, the word "stern" extended its meaning to refer to the rear end or back part of various objects, not just ships.

Idioms with the word STERN

  • from stem to stern The idiom "from stem to stern" means thoroughly or completely, from one end to the other. It originated from nautical terminology, where the "stem" refers to the front or bow of a ship, and the "stern" refers to the back or aft. Therefore, when something is described as being from stem to stern, it means it covers the entire range or extent of something.

Similar spelling words for STERN

Plural form of STERN is STERNS

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