What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grievous
Example
The family suffered a grievous loss when their son passed away. [grievous: adjective]
Example
The company made a grievous error in their financial reporting, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. [grievous: adjective]
severe
Example
The patient's condition was severe and required immediate medical attention. [severe: adjective]
Example
The hurricane caused severe damage to the coastal town, leaving many without homes. [severe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Severe is more commonly used than grievous in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grievous and severe?
Grievous has a more formal and serious connotation than severe, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
