sheer

UK: ʃɪə | US: ʃɪr

Definition

  1. adj. 1. (of a cliff, etc.) very steep; almost vertical

  2. adj. 2. (of fabric) very thin and light; transparent

  3. adj. 3. complete; utter (e.g., sheer luck)

  4. v. 4. (of a ship) to swerve or deviate from a course

Structure

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Etymology

The word "sheer" originates from Old English scīeran ("to cut"), which evolved into Middle English scheren ("to avoid, deviate"). The modern senses of "steep," "transparent," and "complete" emerged metaphorically:

  • "Steep" from the idea of a "cut-off" cliff face.
  • "Thin fabric" from the notion of "cut-down" material.
  • "Utter" as an intensified meaning (late 16th c.).
    The verb sense ("swerve") retains the original idea of "cutting away" from a path.
Examples

  1. The cliff was a sheer drop of 500 meters.

  2. She wore a sheer blouse over a camisole.

  3. It was sheer coincidence that we met again.

  4. The ship sheered away from the iceberg.

  5. His sheer determination impressed everyone.