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Synonyms
stern1 (stûrn)

[Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne.]

adjective: stern·er, stern·est. 

  1. Hard, harsh, or severe in manner or character: a stern disciplinarian. See synonyms at severe
  2. Grim, gloomy, or forbidding in appearance or outlook.
  3. Firm or unyielding; uncompromising.
  4. Inexorable; relentless: stern necessity.

derivatives

sterńly
adverb
sterńness
noun
stern2 (stûrn)

[Middle English sterne, perhaps of Scandinavian originOld Norse stjōrn, rudder.]

noun 

  1. Nautical The rear part of a ship or boat.
  2. A rear part or section.