Sheer

/ʃɪr/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To change direction suddenly in order to avoid something; to veer.

The ship had to sheer to avoid the floating ice.

adjective

Used to emphasize the large amount, degree, or intensity of something.

The sheer size of the mountain was awe-inspiring.

Thin, transparent, or delicate in texture.

She wore a sheer dress that flowed elegantly in the breeze.

Complete and without reservation; utter.

His sheer determination to succeed was remarkable.

Middle English from Old English scēar, meaning 'shear, separate'.

sheer force

Great power or strength.

sheer madness

Complete foolishness or insanity.

sheer cliffs

Very steep or vertical cliffs.

sheerness

The quality of being sheer; transparency.

sheared

Past tense of shear; cut away.

shearing

The action of cutting wool or hair from animals.

Referring to something that is extremely thin or transparent.

That dress is so sheer, you can see right through it!

Describing an experience that is overwhelmingly strong.

The party was sheer fun; everyone had a great time!