sheer Definition
- 1used to emphasize the size, degree, or amount of something
- 2nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis)
- 3very steep; almost vertical
Using sheer: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sheer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sheer size of the building was overwhelming.
Example
It was sheer luck that we found the keys.
Example
The cliff face was almost sheer.
Example
The sheer amount of work required is daunting.
Example
I was impressed by the sheer beauty of the landscape.
sheer Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sheer
Example
The boat sheered off to avoid the rocks.
Example
It was sheer luck that I found my phone after losing it in the park.
Example
The path led to a sheer drop of several hundred feet.
Origins of sheer
from Old English 'scear' meaning 'bright, clear'
Summary: sheer in Brief
The adjective 'sheer' [ʃɪər] emphasizes the size, degree, or amount of something, as in 'The sheer size of the building was overwhelming.' It can also mean 'nothing other than,' as in 'It was sheer luck that we found the keys.' Additionally, it describes something very steep or almost vertical, as in 'The cliff face was almost sheer.'
