他严肃的表情让所有人都紧张起来。
His ___stern expression made everyone nervous.
经理对项目延误提出了严厉的批评。
The manager issued ___stern criticism regarding the project delays.
他严厉地瞪了他妹妹莎拉一眼,但这并没有阻止她恶意地咧嘴笑。
He shot his sister Sarah a ___stern look which did not deter her from grinning maliciously.