ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Sheer

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ʃɪə̯/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Sheer is an adjective meaning (textiles) Very thin or transparent.

Meaning

(textiles) Very thin or transparent.

More Meanings

  1. (by extension) Downright; complete; pure.
  2. Used to emphasize the amount or degree of something.
  3. Very steep; almost vertical or perpendicular.
  4. A sheer curtain or fabric.
  5. (nautical) The curve of the main deck or gunwale from bow to stern.
  6. (obsolete) Pure in composition; unmixed; unadulterated.
  7. (archaic) Clean; completely; at once.

Example Sentences

This poem is sheer nonsense.
I think it is sheer genius to invent such a thing.
Her light, sheer dress caught everyone’s attention.
She was cunningly dressed in a black, sheer gown with gold ornaments showing her figure to perfection.

Word Forms

Synonyms for sheer

Depending on context, synonyms include diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, gossamer, see-through, thin.

Antonyms for sheer

Common opposites include opaque.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include gauzy, filmy, cut, curve, slue, vaporous.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.