steep, abrupt, precipitous, sheer mean having an incline approaching the perpendicular. steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

sheer adjective (THIN) Sheer clothing or material is so thin, light, and delicate that you can see through it: sheer nylon tights

SHEER definition: transparently thin; diaphanous, as some fabrics. See examples of sheer used in a sentence.

1. transparently thin; diaphanous, as some fabrics: sheer stockings. 2. unmixed with anything else; unadulterated: sheer rock; sheer luck. 3. unqualified; utter: sheer nonsense. 4. extending down or up …

Collocations: sheer [size, strength, expanse, number, weight, amount, force], [amazed, surprised, overwhelmed] by the sheer [size] of it, that was sheer stupidity!, more...

Jan 29, 2026 · Used to emphasize the amount or degree of something. The army's sheer size made it impossible to resist.

Straight up or straight down; perpendicular; precipitous; unobstructed: as, a sheer descent. Very thin and delicate; diaphanous: especially said of cambric or muslin.

Sheer is an adjective that can generally refer to something extremely or utmost in degree, amount or intensity. It can also describe something complete and pure.

Discover the meaning of 'sheer', explore its usage in everyday language, popular idioms, and fun facts that make this word fascinating. Perfect for learners and curious minds!

The adjective 'sheer' [ʃɪər] emphasizes the size, degree, or amount of something, as in 'The sheer size of the building was overwhelming.' It can also mean 'nothing other than,' as in 'It was sheer luck that …