GRE TOEFL IELTS stern Definition Serious and strict in manner or attitude. Example "The teacher gave the student a stern warning about being late." Sign in to save GRE Quiz → TOEFL Quiz → IELTS Quiz → ← sterling stethoscope → Study tips featuring "stern" Study the Exact Words Examiners Use Group Words Together by Emotional Tone Map Each Word Into a Connected Network Related words GRE awe GRE smithereens GRE abacus SAT abase GRE abash GRE abate GRE abbreviate GRE abbreviation SAT abdicate SAT abdomen GRE abduct GRE aberrant