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" Audit Your Own Writing to Find Gaps Write GRE Words Into Your Own Sentences TOEFL Academic Vocabulary: Study by Topic Related words GRE swill GRE taper GRE testy GRE abacus SAT abase GRE abash GRE abate GRE abbreviate GRE abbreviation SAT abdicate SAT abdomen GRE abduct