sternness
noun [ U ] uk/ˈstɜːn.nəs/ us/ˈstɝːn.nəs/
严厉;苛刻
the quality of being severe, or of showing disapproval
He directed the agency with the sternness of a military officer. 他以军队的严厉态度领导该机构。
Her concern began to turn to sternness. 她的关切开始变成了苛责。
See: stern
- More examples
- Meg looked at the older woman with mock sternness.
- Lucy's sternness was mellowing a little.
- The line, delivered with an unusual sternness, looked like a clear "I'm-in-charge" message.