Meaning of Sheer
used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of something
In simple words: Very thin or transparent; nothing can be seen through.
Sheer in a sentence
- The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it.
- We were impressed by the sheer size of the cathedral.
- The concert was sheer delight.
- sheer luck/chance/coincidence/joy/bliss/determination
- I only agreed out of sheer desperation.
- sheer terror/panic/exhaustion/hell
- **sheer cliffs/slopes**
- Outside there was a sheer drop down to the sea below.
- sheer nylon
How to use Sheer
Often used to describe fabric or clothing that is very thin. In some contexts, it can also mean complete or total, such as 'sheer joy'. It's not commonly used in highly formal settings.
Grammar pattern
standalone adjective
Memory hint
Think of ‘sheer’ as if you can see right through it, like a sheer veil.
Related words
Collocations with Sheer
- sheer fabric
- sheer determination
- sheer cliffs
- sheer happiness
- sheer volume
Synonyms for Sheer
Common mistakes with Sheer
- Confused with 'shear' which refers to cutting something.
- Using 'sheer' in a solid context, like 'sheer mountains' instead of 'sheer cliffs'.
- Incorrectly spelling it as 'sheer' instead of 'shed'.
Sheer appears in
Sheer in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
شديد, خالص, شفاف
رقيق جدًا أو شفاف؛ لا يمكن رؤية شيء من خلاله.
- Bengaliবাংলা
খাঁটি, পাতলা
খুব পাতলা বা স্বচ্ছ; যার ভেতর দিয়ে কিছু দেখা যায় না।
- GermanDeutsch
rein, pur, schiere
Sehr dünn oder durchsichtig; nichts kann hindurchgesehen werden.
- SpanishEspañol
Puro, Transparente, Total
Muy fino o transparente; no se puede ver nada a través de él.
- Persianفارسی
نازک، محض
خیلی نازک یا شفاف؛ چیزی دیده نمیشود.
- FrenchFrançais
Pur, Énorme, Vertical
Très fin ou transparent ; on ne voit rien à travers.
- Hindiहिन्दी
शीयर, बिल्कुल, एकदम
बहुत पतला या पारदर्शी; कुछ भी देखा नहीं जा सकता।
- ItalianItaliano
Puro, Trasparente, Assoluto
Molto sottile o trasparente; non si vede attraverso.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Puro, Total, Apenas
Muito fino ou transparente; nada pode ser visto através.
- RussianРусский
чистый, прозрачный, отвесный, абсолютный
Очень тонкий или прозрачный; ничего не видно насквозь.
- Urduاردو
باریک، خالص، محض
بہت پتلا یا شفاف؛ کچھ بھی نظر نہیں آتا۔
- Chinese中文
纯粹的, 极度的, 陡峭的
非常薄或透明;什么也看不见。
More words like Sheer
- Utter
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
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Frequently asked questions about Sheer
What does Sheer mean?
Very thin or transparent; nothing can be seen through.
What is the definition of Sheer?
used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of something
How do you use Sheer in a sentence?
The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it.
Can you give another example of Sheer?
We were impressed by the sheer size of the cathedral.
What are synonyms for Sheer?
Common alternatives include utter.
What is the opposite of Sheer?
Opposite meanings include opaque, thick, heavy.
What words go with Sheer?
It commonly pairs with sheer fabric, sheer determination, sheer cliffs, sheer happiness, sheer volume.
What are common mistakes when using Sheer?
Confused with 'shear' which refers to cutting something. Using 'sheer' in a solid context, like 'sheer mountains' instead of 'sheer cliffs'. Incorrectly spelling it as 'sheer' instead of 'shed'.
How do you pronounce Sheer?
US: /["/ʃɪr/"]/, UK: /["/ʃɪə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Sheer?
Often used to describe fabric or clothing that is very thin. In some contexts, it can also mean complete or total, such as 'sheer joy'. It's not commonly used in highly formal settings.
What CEFR level is Sheer?
"Sheer" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.





