stern (sterner comparative) (sternest superlative) (sterns plural )
1 adj Stern words or actions are very severe.
Mr Straw issued a stern warning to those who persist in violence...
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sternly adv ADV with v, ADV adj
`We will take the necessary steps,' she said sternly.
2 adj Someone who is stern is very serious and strict.
Her father was stern and hard to please.
3 n-count The stern of a boat is the back part of it., (Antonym: prow)
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From stem to stern
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stem