What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
severe
Example
The hurricane caused severe damage to the coastal town. [severe: adjective]
Example
The patient was in severe pain and needed urgent medical attention. [severe: adjective]
Example
The company faced severe consequences for violating safety regulations. [severe: adjective]
stringent
Example
The government imposed stringent measures to control the spread of the virus. [stringent: adjective]
Example
The university has stringent admission requirements for its top programs. [stringent: adjective]
Example
The company had to cut costs due to stringent financial constraints. [stringent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Severe is more commonly used than stringent in everyday language, especially in the context of weather, health, or punishment. Stringent is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as regulations, standards, or quality control.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between severe and stringent?
Stringent is generally considered more formal than severe, as it is often used in technical or academic contexts that require precision and accuracy. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the tone and purpose of the communication.
