sheer
(noun, adjective, verb, adverb)
adjective
1. complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers
- got the job through sheer persistence
- sheer stupidity
Similar word(s): complete, absolute, downright, rank
2. not mixed with external elements
- sheer wine
Similar word(s): pure, plain, unmingled, unmixed
3. very steep; having a steep and almost vertical front
- a sheer descent of rock
Similar word(s): steep, bluff, bold
4. so thin as to transmit light
- sheer silk stockings
Similar word(s): thin, cobwebby, diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, gossamer, transparent, vaporous, vapourous
Sentences with sheer as an adjective:
- Her light, sheer dress caught everyone’s attention.
- I think it is sheer genius to invent such a thing.
- This poem is sheer nonsense.
- It was a sheer drop of 180 feet.
- Through technological wizardry and sheer audacity, Google has shown how we can transform the intellectual riches of our libraries […] .
adverb
1. straight up or down without a break
Similar word(s): perpendicularly
2. directly
- he fell sheer into the water
noun
1. (nautical) The curve of the main deck or gunwale from bow to stern.
2. (nautical) An abrupt swerve from the course of a ship.
verb
1. turn sharply; change direction abruptly
Similar word(s): curve, cut, slew, slue, swerve, trend, veer
Definition categories: motion, turn
2. cause to sheer
- She sheered her car around the obstacle
Definition categories: motion, channelise, channelize, direct, guide, head, maneuver, manoeuver, manoeuvre, point, steer
Sentences with sheer as a verb:
- A horse sheers at a bicycle.