stark
Translation
stark, bare, bleak, sheer
Examples
The room was stark and simple.
The room was stark and simple.
The stark reality is that we are losing.
The stark reality is that we are losing.
There is a stark contrast between their lives.
There is a stark contrast between their lives.
Grammar Patterns
((stark)) + noun (e.g., contrast, reality) to describe something very obvious and clear. The stark reality is we have no money.
((stark)) + noun (e.g., room, landscape) to describe a place that is bare and plain. The stark landscape was beautiful in its own way.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bare, harsh, bleak; Antonyms: ornate, lush
Etymology
From Old English 'stearc' meaning 'stiff, strong'. Related to German 'stark' (strong).
Memory Tips
Think of the German word 'stark' (strong). A stark design is 'strong' in its simplicity, without decoration.