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be stern

[/bi stɜrn/]
verb phrase
ser severo, ser rigoroso, ser austero
1. to have or display a serious, strict, or severe demeanor; to be harsh or uncompromising in manner or attitude
The teacher was stern with the students who misbehaved in class.
A professora foi severa com os alunos que se comportaram mal na aula.
2. to be grim, forbidding, or austere in appearance or character
His stern expression made it clear he was not amused.
Sua expressão severa deixou claro que ele não estava amused.
3. to show stern disapproval or displeasure
The judge was stern in her ruling against the defendant.
A juíza foi rigorosa em sua sentença contra o réu.
Synonyms
be strictbe severebe harshbe rigidbe austerebe demandingbe uncompromising
Antonyms
be lenientbe gentlebe kindbe permissivebe indulgentbe compassionate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser severo, ser rigoroso
Most common usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser severo, ser rígido
Standard usage, sometimes with intensifiers
São Paulo
ser severo, ser exigente
Standard usage, emphasizing demanding aspect
Portugal
ser severo, ser austero, ser rigoroso
All variants equally used; 'austero' more common for appearance

Related Idioms & Phrases

a stern warning
stern measures
stern look
stern discipline
stern face
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