Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Extremely bad or serious in degree or extent: Used to describe situations, conditions, or damage that are very intense, harsh, or grave.
   • Very strict, harsh, or austere: Used to describe a person's manner, judgment, discipline, or appearance that is uncompromising and stern.
   • Extremely intense or forceful: Used to describe physical forces, impacts, or sensations that are very powerful.
   • Plain and without decoration: Used to describe styles or designs that are very simple and austere.

Examples of Usage

• Describing a serious condition or extent:

  • The patient is in severe pain.
  • The region is experiencing a severe drought.
  • The storm caused severe damage to the coastline.

• Describing a strict or harsh manner:

  • The judge was known for his severe expression.
  • She had a severe upbringing with many rules.
  • He gave the child a severe look of disapproval.

• Describing intense force or strength:

  • The boat was hit by a severe gust of wind.
  • The boxer suffered a severe blow to the head.

• Describing plain style:

  • The room was decorated in a severe, minimalist style.
  • She wore her hair in a severe bun.

Advanced Usage

• "Severe weather": Refers to dangerous meteorological conditions like storms, blizzards, or hurricanes.

  • All flights were canceled due to severe weather.

• "Severe penalty/punishment": Refers to a very harsh or strict penalty for a crime or violation.

  • The law prescribes a severe penalty for that offense.

• "Severe test/trial": Refers to an extremely difficult challenge or assessment.

  • The expedition was a severe test of their endurance.

Variants and Related Words

• Severely (adverb): In a severe manner; to a severe degree.

  • He was severely injured in the accident.
  • The teacher spoke severely to the class.

• Severity (noun): The quality or state of being severe.

  • The severity of the winter surprised everyone.
  • He underestimated the severity of the crisis.

Synonyms

• Harsh: Unpleasantly rough or intense, especially in terms of conditions or treatment.
• Grave: Very serious, giving cause for alarm.
• Serious: Demanding careful consideration; not joking or trivial.
• Strict: Demanding that rules are obeyed completely.
• Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries.

Antonyms

• Mild: Not severe, serious, or harsh.
• Lenient: More merciful or tolerant than expected.
• Gentle: Mild in temperament or behavior; not harsh or severe.
• Moderate: Average in amount, intensity, or degree; not extreme.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To be severe with someone: To treat someone in a very strict or harsh way.

  • The coach was severe with the players who missed practice.

• A severe case of (something): An instance of an illness or problem that is particularly bad.

  • He was hospitalized with a severe case of food poisoning.

Adjective

1. very bad in degree or extent
   • a severe worldwide depression
   • the house suffered severe damage
2. causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
   • a dangerous operation
   • a grave situation
   • a grave illness
   • grievous bodily harm
   • a serious wound
   • a serious turn of events
   • a severe case of pneumonia
   • a life-threatening disease
3. unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
   • a parent severe to the pitch of hostility- H.G.Wells
   • a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
   • a strict disciplinarian
   • a Spartan upbringing
4. severely simple
   • a stark interior
5. very strong or vigorous
   • strong winds
   • a hard left to the chin
   • a knockout punch
   • a severe blow
6. intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
   • severe pain
   • a severe case of flu
   • a terrible cough
   • under wicked fire from the enemy's guns
   • a wicked cough