What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sheer
Example
The sheer cliffs of the Grand Canyon are breathtaking. [sheer: adjective]
Example
The curtains were made of a sheer fabric that let in plenty of light. [sheer: adjective]
Example
I was impressed by the sheer size of the stadium. [sheer: adjective]
outright
Example
He won the race outright, with no competition from the other runners. [outright: adverb]
Example
She made an outright accusation that he had stolen her phone. [outright: adjective]
Example
I need an outright answer from you, not just a vague maybe. [outright: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sheer is more commonly used than outright in everyday language, especially in the context of describing physical objects or qualities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sheer and outright?
Both sheer and outright are versatile words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific usage and tone of the sentence.
