What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harsh
Example
The teacher's harsh criticism made the student feel discouraged. [harsh: adjective]
Example
The harsh winter weather made it difficult to go outside. [harsh: adjective]
stern
Example
The stern look on the boss's face made the employees nervous. [stern: adjective]
Example
The coach spoke in a stern voice to the players after their poor performance. [stern: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stern is more commonly used than harsh in everyday language. Stern is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while harsh is less common and often used to describe negative situations or behaviors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between harsh and stern?
Both harsh and stern can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stern is generally considered more formal and appropriate for professional settings.
