sheer
Sheer (adjective) means thin enough to see through. Example: “She wore a sheer scarf over her shoulders.”
How to Use Sheer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither see-through and delicate (fabric), or used to mean "total, complete" for emphasis, or describing a very steep drop.
Don't confuse with "shear" (to cut) — same sound, unrelated meaning.
Word Forms
sheerer comparative, more sheer comparative, more sheer comparative, sheers plural, sheers plural, Sheers plural, sheerest superlative, most sheer superlative, most sheer superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore a _____ scarf over her shoulders.
Etymology
From Old English sċǣre, "pure, clear, shining" — related to an old word family meaning "bright" rather than to "shear."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related Words
Rhymes for sheer
See all rhymes for sheer →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sheer” mean?
The word “sheer” means thin enough to see through. In plain terms, either see-through and delicate (fabric), or used to mean "total, complete" for emphasis, or describing a very steep drop.
How do you pronounce “sheer”?
“Sheer” is pronounced sheer (/ʃɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sheer” in a sentence?
Here is “sheer” used in a sentence: “She wore a sheer scarf over her shoulders.”
What is another word for “sheer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sheer” include diaphanous, filmy, gauzy, gossamer and see-through.
What is the opposite of “sheer”?
The opposite of “sheer” — its antonyms — is opaque.
What part of speech is “sheer”?
“Sheer” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sheer” come from?
The word “sheer” comes from Old English. From Old English sċǣre, "pure, clear, shining" — related to an old word family meaning "bright" rather than to "shear.".
Is “sheer” a common word?
“Sheer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between sheer and shear?
They are homophones with different jobs. Sheer is usually an adjective meaning see-through ("sheer curtains"), complete ("sheer luck"), or very steep ("a sheer cliff"). Shear is a verb meaning to cut or clip, as in shearing sheep, and the cutting tool is a pair of shears.