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stern

[/stɜːrn/]
adjective; nounN/A (adjective); masculine (noun)pl: N/A (adjective); sterns (noun)
severo; popa
1. (adjective) Serious, strict, and unrelenting in manner or appearance; showing no humor or warmth
The teacher gave the student a stern look.
A professora deu um olhar severo ao aluno.
2. (adjective) Severe or strict in judgment, discipline, or moral standards
He took a stern approach to enforcing the rules.
Ele adotou uma abordagem severa para fazer cumprir as regras.
3. (noun) The rear part of a ship or boat
The captain stood at the stern of the vessel.
O capitão estava na popa do navio.
Synonyms
strictsevererigorousaustereharshrigid
Antonyms
lenientgentlemildpermissivewarmfriendly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
severo; popa
Standard usage in both Portugal and Brazil
Portugal
severo; popa
Standard usage, identical to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

stern warning - aviso severo
stern measures - medidas severas
from stem to stern - de proa a popa (nautical phrase meaning throughout the entire ship)
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