English vocabulary · B2
Stark
/stɑːrk/ · adj., adv.
It means completely clear and often harsh — with nothing to soften it or hide it.
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Example sentences
- The photos show a stark change in the city.
- There is a stark difference between the two plans.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- stearc — hard and strong (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- BLUNT — direct without softening (Direct & Unfiltered)
- BARE — without cover or decoration (Empty & Exposed)
- HARSH — difficult and unkind (Hard & Unpleasant)
Similar words
- blunt
- bare
- harsh
Lesson notes
Stark. It means completely clear and often harsh — with nothing to soften it or hide it.
Similar words are blunt, bare, and harsh. Use stark when a fact or difference is so clear it is almost shocking.
The photos show a stark change in the city. There is a stark difference between the two plans.
From Old English. Stearc- means hard and strong. Something so hard and strong it cannot be softened — that is stark.