Sternness refers to a strict, serious, or uncompromising demeanor or attitude. It often conveys a sense of firmness and authority, sometimes accompanied by a lack of warmth or leniency. While sternness can be necessary in situations requiring discipline or seriousness, excessive sternness may feel harsh or intimidating to others.
10 Sentences Using “Sternness”:
- The teacher’s sternness helped maintain discipline in the classroom.
- His voice carried a tone of sternness that silenced the room.
- The judge’s sternness left no room for debate.
- Sternness was evident in her expression as she laid out the rules.
- Despite his sternness, there was a hint of kindness in his eyes.
- The officer’s sternness emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
- She was known for her sternness but also her fairness.
- The coach’s sternness pushed the team to perform their best.
- His sternness toward the employees created a tense work environment.
- The father’s sternness softened when he saw his child’s tears.
Synonyms of “Sternness”:
- Strictness
- Severity
- Firmness
- Rigor
- Seriousness
- Harshness
- Authoritativeness
- Gravitas
- Sobriety
- Austerity
Antonyms of “Sternness”:
- Gentleness
- Leniency
- Warmth
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Friendliness
- Flexibility
- Mildness
- Softness
- Lightheartedness
Related Words:
- Grave
- Somber
- Serious
- No-nonsense
- Tough
- Unyielding
- Resolute
- Commanding
- Disciplined
- Dour
Related Expressions:
- “A firm hand” (sternness in leadership or guidance).
- “No-nonsense approach” (a serious and stern way of dealing with issues).
- “Lay down the law” (to enforce rules with sternness).
- “Tough love” (sternness paired with care for someone’s well-being).
- “Straight-faced” (showing sternness or seriousness).
- “Hard as nails” (extremely stern and unyielding).
- “Take a hard line” (to adopt a strict or stern stance).
- “All business” (focused and stern without distractions).
- “Rule with an iron fist” (sternness to the point of harsh control).
- “Stone-faced” (stern expression lacking emotion).
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- “Lay out” (to explain rules with sternness).
- “Call out” (to sternly point out someone’s mistakes).
- “Put one’s foot down” (to act with stern authority).
- “Crack down” (to enforce rules with sternness).
- “Straighten out” (to resolve something with stern guidance).
- “Bear down on” (to approach with sternness or authority).
- “Hold firm” (to maintain a stern position).
- “Put in order” (to organize sternly or strictly).
- “Draw the line” (to set a stern limit).
Related Idioms:
- “Tough as nails” (extremely stern or unyielding).
- “Give someone a dressing down” (to scold with sternness).
- “Lay down the law” (to enforce rules strictly and sternly).
- “Crack the whip” (to enforce discipline with sternness).
- “Keep a tight rein” (to maintain strict control).
- “Draw a hard line” (to show unyielding sternness).
- “Spare the rod, spoil the child” (advocating stern discipline).
- “Take no prisoners” (to act with uncompromising sternness).
- “No room for error” (emphasizing the seriousness of sternness).
- “Hold one’s ground” (maintaining a stern and resolute position).