sheer (adjective) – 1. extremely steep; almost vertical 2. nothing other than; complete

(Pronounced sheer)

To remember the definition of the word sheer, use the following mnemonic:

To shear (sheer) a sheep on an extremely steep cliff was nothing other than insane. 

Examples of sheer (adjective) in a sentence (1. extremely steep; almost vertical)

The sheer staircase was incredibly unsafe.  

He climbed sheer cliff faces without any rope or safety equipment. 

The sheer angle of the roof made replacing the tiles much more difficult. 

Examples of sheer (adjective) in a sentence (2. nothing other than; complete)

The only reason nobody was hurt was sheer luck. 

It was through sheer force of will that he achieved his goal. 

What he did was sheer madness.