Skip to main content
sheer

sheer

4.5
In a straight up or down direction
  • adverb
  • /ʃɪr/
translation icon : verticalmente
  • The rock face rose sheer above the valley, creating a stunning view below.

Examples

  • It's not really that dark sheer that out on top.

  • Seems like it's going to be sheer, but let's see.

  • OK, so genes play a role in terms of just sheer sex determination.

  • I really think of it as straight up sheer manipulation, right?

  • OK, That blends out to be quite sheer, almost.

  • But listen, if you want to grab a bucket of popcorn and just sit back and watch something for the sheer fun of it, this movie is for you, Prime Minister.

  • Is a Maple syrup Maple sheer that go first you go first, man.

  • The mountain has a sheer drop on its eastern face, making it dangerous to climb.

  • They sailed straight up the sheer cliff, requiring expert skills from the team.

Synonyms

perpendicularly
vssheer
1 7.3

In a way that is at a right angle to a surface, like straight up from the ground

is specific to vertical direction rather than any right angle
sheerly
vssheer
6.4

In a very steep, almost vertical way

is fully vertical and allows up or down, not only steep downward movement

Compounds

Partly transparent fabric that lets some light through while giving some privacy

How Vertical

sheer
4.5
diagonally
15 3.0
horizontally
25 3.2

Surface Forms

sheer positive

Etymology

Sheer: A helpful way to remember the adverb sheer meaning 'straight up or down' is to think of a rock face that looks like it was cut cleanly; it seems 'sheared' away, and the word shear means 'to cut', so a sheer drop falls in a straight, clean line.