sheer

Universal Words adjective, adverb, verb adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of sth: The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it. * We were impressed by the sheer size of the cathedral. 2 [onlybeforenoun] complete and not mixed with anything else: The concert was sheer delight. * I only agreed out of sheer desperation. 3 very steep: sheer cliffs / slopes * Outside there was a sheer drop down to the sea below. 4 (of fabrics, etc.) thin, light and almost transparent: sheer nylon adverb straight up or down: The cliffs rise sheer from the beach. * The ground dropped sheer away at our feet. verb PHRASALVERBS sheer away / off (from sth) to change direction suddenly, especially in order to avoid hitting sth: The car sheered away, just missing the bike. * (figurative) Her mind sheered away from images she did not wish to dwell on.