sheerly

Sheerly means completely or utterly, with emphasis on the full force or absolute character of a quality, situation, or reaction. It is especially common before adjectives such as impractical, ridiculous, necessary, or welcome, as in “sheerly impractical,” and it often carries an emphatic or critical tone when the idea being intensified is negative. The word can also express unreserved emotion or total contrast, depending on the context, but its standard modern use is as an intensifier rather than as a formal synonym for “completely.” Its rhythmic, forceful character makes it effective in speech, while formal writing often reaches for a less pointed alternative such as “entirely” or “utterly.” Sheerly is useful for communicating not merely a high degree, but an absolute or unmitigated quality. It belongs to the family of the adjective sheer, with the adverbial suffix -ly marking degree, and it is understood in both British and American English.

Completely or utterly, especially when emphasizing the degree or absolute nature of something.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does sheerly come from?

Sheerly was formed in the early 17th century by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to sheer, at a time when sheer had come to mean “complete, unadulterated, or absolute.” In that period, the adverb could mean “fully or completely,” a sense that survives in modern usage. The word descends through English from the older adjective sheer, whose Germanic relatives include German schier and Dutch scheer.

How sheerly is actually used

Typically used to intensify an adjective, often with a critical or strongly emphatic tone. It is especially common before negative evaluations such as impractical, unnecessary, and ridiculous, and it is less usual in neutral prose.

Easily confused with sheerly

What's another word for sheerly?

Words and phrases paired with sheerly

What's the opposite of sheerly?

Rhymes with sheerly