The correct spelling for the word meaning "the most severe or strict" is "sternest". It is pronounced as /ˈstɜːrnɪst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word is formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the adjective "stern". The "-est" suffix is used to indicate the superlative form of an adjective, meaning it shows the highest degree of the quality that the adjective represents. Therefore, "sternest" means the most severe, strict or unyielding among its kind.
Sternest is the superlative form of the adjective stern, which typically describes someone or something that is severe, serious, or strict in nature. It signifies the most intense or extreme level of sternness.
Used to describe a person, the sternest individual would be someone who displays an unwavering demeanor, rigid discipline, and a stern countenance. This person would exhibit little tolerance for deviation from rules or expectations. They might enforce a strict code of conduct and stick to it, often without showing much leniency or understanding. The sternest person might refuse to compromise or make exceptions, adhering strictly to their principles or regulations.
When referring to something like a punishment, criticism, or reprimand, the sternest form would be the most severe or harsh. It suggests that the consequence or rebuke is administered with an uncompromising attitude and without any deviation from the stated punishment. This could imply an intense and uncompromising rectification, often eliciting a sense of seriousness or urgency.
Overall, whether applied to a person or a situation, sternest denotes the most intense or extreme level of sternness, indicating severity, seriousness, and a lack of leniency or flexibility.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sternest" is derived from the adjective "stern", which dates back to the Old English word "styrne". It also has Germanic roots, coming from the Old High German "stirn" and Old Norse "stjorn". Originally, "stern" referred to the part of a ship's back end, and it gradually expanded to describe the qualities associated with that part of the ship – firmness, severity, harshness, and strictness. The suffix "-est" is the superlative ending indicating extreme or greatest degree. Hence, "sternest" means the most stern or strict.