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schier

sheer, nearly (emphatic)

adverb sheer Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Degree

Also means

virtually, almost impossible

Usage Note

schier amplifies to a point of near-impossibility: schier unglaublich (almost unbelievably), schier unmöglich. It often implies the speaker is overwhelmed by the scale. Slightly literary or regional flavour.

Examples

"Das Angebot war schier unwiderstehlich."

Natural Translation

The offer was virtually irresistible.

Literal Translation

The offer was sheer irresistible.

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