severely
/si'viəli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a strict, harsh, or stern manner: "severely" describes an action done with great strictness, seriousness, or without leniency.
- To a very great, intense, or serious degree: "severely" indicates that something is affected to an extreme or grave extent, often involving damage, hardship, or intensity.
Usage and Examples
Describing manner (strict/harsh):
- The teacher looked at the students severely.
- He was severely reprimanded for his actions.
Describing degree (serious/extreme):
- The region was severely damaged by the storm.
- Her illness limited her mobility severely.
Advanced Usage
- "to leave/let severely alone": To deliberately avoid involvement with someone or something; to steer clear.
- After the argument, his colleagues let him severely alone.
- It's a complicated political issue, so many diplomats leave it severely alone.
Variants and Related Words
- Severe (adjective): Used to describe something extremely bad, serious, strict, or plain in style.
- a severe winter
- a severe judge
- a severe hairstyle
Synonyms
- Sternly: In a serious and strict manner.
- Harshly: In a cruel or unkind manner.
- Seriously: To a severe or worrying degree.
- Badly: In an unsatisfactory, unsuccessful, or harmful way; severely.
- Gravely: In a serious or solemn manner; to a worrying extent.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "severely critical": Extremely disapproving or judgmental.
- The report was severely critical of the government's policy.
Adverb
- causing great damage or hardship
- industries hit hard by the depression
- she was severely affected by the bank's failure
- with sternness; in a severe manner
- `No,' she said sternly
- peered severely over her glasses
- to a severe or serious degree
- fingers so badly frozen they had to be amputated
- badly injured
- a severely impaired heart
- is gravely ill
- was seriously ill