Basic Details
Word: Sheer
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Very steep, very thin, or absolute; used to describe something that is clear or pure.
Synonyms: Steep, transparent, absolute
Antonyms: Gradual, thick, ambiguous
Idioms and Phrases
- Sheer luck: To achieve something by chance rather than by effort or skill. Example: "I won the game by sheer luck when the last point was scored."
- Sheer madness: A phrase used to describe behaviour that is wildly unreasonable or crazy. Example: "Climbing without gear was sheer madness, but they did it anyway!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: The sheer cliff rose high above the valley, making it difficult for climbers to reach the top.
Example 2: She wore a sheer dress that was light and airy, perfect for a summer evening.
Example 3: The sheer number of stars in the night sky took my breath away as I gazed up.
Fun Fact
The word "sheer" comes from the Old English word "sceor," which means "to separate," and has been used for centuries to describe things that are sharp or steep.
Famous Quote
"Life is sheer joy when you're not afraid to fall." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "sheer" mean?
a) Not clear
b) Very steep or thin
c) Thick
d) Heavy
Answer: b) Very steep or thin
2. Which of these is a synonym of "sheer"?
a) Quick
b) Transparent
c) Strong
d) Heavy
Answer: b) Transparent
3. What is an antonym of "sheer"?
a) Clear
b) Thick
c) Steep
d) Absolute
Answer: b) Thick
4. Which sentence uses "sheer" correctly?
a) She was sheer happy after passing her exam.
b) The sheer volume of noise made it hard to think.
c) The sheer dog ran quickly.
d) He wore sheer shoes to the party.
Answer: b) The sheer volume of noise made it hard to think.
5. What does the idiom "sheer madness" mean?
a) Something very fun
b) Behaviour that is crazy or unreasonable
c) A lucky event
d) A wise decision
Answer: b) Behaviour that is crazy or unreasonable
