What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harsh
Example
The teacher's harsh criticism made the student feel discouraged. [harsh: adjective]
Example
The harsh winter weather made it difficult to travel. [harsh: adjective]
severe
Example
The patient's severe injuries required immediate medical attention. [severe: adjective]
Example
The company faced severe consequences for violating safety regulations. [severe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harsh is more commonly used than severe in everyday language. Harsh is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while severe is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between harsh and severe?
Both harsh and severe can be used in formal and informal contexts, but severe may be perceived as more formal due to its association with serious or significant situations.
