sheer
Translation
complete, utter, thin, steep
Examples
It was sheer luck that we won.
It was sheer luck that we won.
The cliff was a sheer drop.
The cliff was a sheer drop.
She wore a sheer silk blouse.
She wore a sheer silk blouse.
Grammar Patterns
sheer ((noun)) used to emphasize the size, degree, or amount of (sth.) It was sheer coincidence.
sheer ((noun)) very steep The cliff was a sheer drop.
sheer ((noun)) (of cloth) very thin and transparent She wore a sheer blouse.
Similar Words
Synonyms: utter, absolute, pure, transparent, steep
Etymology
From Old English 'scīr' meaning 'bright, clear'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'sheer' as something so extreme it's almost see-through, whether it's luck (pure luck), a cliff (a pure drop), or fabric (see-through).