1. the quality of being strict, serious, or severe in manner or attitude

Examples

• The teacher’s sternness helped maintain order in the classroom.
• His father’s sternness made him afraid to ask for help.
• The judge’s sternness was evident as she delivered the sentence.
• Despite her sternness, the coach genuinely cared about her players.
• The principal’s sternness when addressing the students was unmistakable.
• Her sternness masked a deep concern for her children’s future.