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.