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sheer

sheer

1 4.5
In a straight up or down direction
  • adverb
  • /ʃɪr/
: 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
1 6.4

In a very steep, almost vertical way

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

Compounds

1 5.6

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

How Vertical

sheer
1 4.5
diagonally
13 3.0
horizontally
23 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.