1stern 
/ˈstɚn/ adjective
stern·er; stern·est /ˈstɚn/ adjective 1 a : very serious especially in an unfriendly way
▪ a stern judge ▪ a stern warning
b : expressing strong disapproval or criticism
▪ He gave me a stern look. 2 : not likely to change or become weaker
▪ stern determination/resolve
▪ a stern judge ▪ a stern warning
b : expressing strong disapproval or criticism
▪ He gave me a stern look.
▪ stern determination/resolve
be made of sterner stuff
: to be an emotionally and morally strong person with more determination than other people
▪ Another woman would have broken down, but she is made of sterner stuff.
▪ Another woman would have broken down, but she is made of sterner stuff.
— stern·ly adverb
▪ “No running in the house,” he said sternly.
▪ “No running in the house,” he said sternly.
— stern·ness /ˈstɚnnəs/ noun [noncount]
/ˈstɚnnəs/ noun [noncount]
