First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stark
adjective \ˈstärk\
: having a very plain and often cold or empty appearance
: unpleasant and difficult to accept or experience
: very obvious : very plain and easily seen
Full Definition of STARK
1
a : rigid in or as if in death b : rigidly conforming (as to a pattern or doctrine) : absolute <stark discipline>
4
5
: sharply delineated <a stark contrast>
— stark·ly adverb
— stark·ness noun
See stark defined for English-language learners
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Origin of STARK
Middle English, stiff, strong, from Old English stearc; akin to Old High German starc strong, Lithuanian starinti to stiffen — more at stare
Related to STARK
2stark
adverb
: completely or fully
Full Definition of STARK
1
: in a stark manner
2
: to an absolute or complete degree : wholly <stark naked> <stark mad>
See stark defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STARK
13th century
Stark
biographical name \ˈshtärk, ˈstärk\
Definition of STARK
Johannes 1874–1957 Ger. physicist
Stark
biographical name \ˈstärk\
Definition of STARK
John 1728–1822 Am. gen. in Revolution
STARKLY Defined for Kids
1stark
adjective \ˈstärk\
stark·erstark·est
Definition of STARK for Kids
2
: clear and harsh <She faced the stark reality of poverty.>
3
: very obvious <The differences were stark.>
2stark
adverb
Definition of STARK for Kids
: completely <stark naked>
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