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Sheer: meaning, definitions and examples

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sheer

 

[ ʃɪr ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

in fashion

used to emphasize the size, degree, or amount of something

Synonyms

absolute, complete, utter

Examples of usage

  • the sheer size of the building
  • the sheer number of people in attendance
Context #2 | Adjective

translucent

very thin and almost transparent

Synonyms

diaphanous, gossamer, translucent

Examples of usage

  • a sheer fabric
  • a sheer curtain
Context #3 | Verb

cut

to cut off something, especially with scissors or shears

Synonyms

clip, cut, trim

Examples of usage

  • sheer off the excess fabric
  • sheer the sheep

Translations

Translations of the word "sheer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 puro

🇮🇳 पूर्ण

🇩🇪 rein

🇮🇩 murni

🇺🇦 чистий

🇵🇱 czysty

🇯🇵 純粋な (じゅんすいな)

🇫🇷 pur

🇪🇸 puro

🇹🇷 saf

🇰🇷 순수한 (sunsuhan)

🇸🇦 نقي

🇨🇿 čistý

🇸🇰 čistý

🇨🇳 纯粹的 (chúncuì de)

🇸🇮 čist

🇮🇸 hreinn

🇰🇿 таза

🇬🇪 სუფთა

🇦🇿 saf

🇲🇽 puro

Etymology

The word 'sheer' originated from Middle English 'scher', which came from Old English 'scīr', meaning 'bright, clear, pure'. The sense of 'thin, transparent' developed in the late 16th century. Over time, 'sheer' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to size, degree, amount, and cutting.

See also: she.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,603 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.