severe

[səˈvɪər]

severe Definition

• 1. (of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense
• 2. strict or harsh in manner, attitude, or appearance

Using severe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "severe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The storm caused severe damage to the building.

• Example

  He received a severe reprimand from his boss.

• Example

  The patient is in a severe condition and needs immediate medical attention.

• Example

  The company is facing severe financial difficulties.

severe Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for severe

• harsh
• rigorous
• stringent
• extreme
• acute

Antonyms for severe

• mild
• moderate
• lenient

Idioms Using severe

• take severe measures

  to take strong and extreme actions to deal with a problem

  Example

  The government has taken severe measures to control the spread of the virus.

• severe test

  a difficult challenge or situation that tests one's abilities or character

  Example

  The competition was a severe test of his skills as a musician.

• severe case

  an instance of a disease or condition that is particularly serious or advanced

  Example

  The hospital is treating several severe cases of COVID-19.

Phrases with severe

• severe weather

  weather conditions that are dangerous or damaging

  Example

  The severe weather warning advised people to stay indoors.

• severe pain

  pain that is intense and difficult to bear

  Example

  She was in severe pain after the accident.

• severe criticism

  criticism that is harsh and strongly disapproving

  Example

  The book received severe criticism for its inaccurate portrayal of historical events.

Origins of severe

from Latin 'severus', meaning 'serious, grave, strict'

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Summary: severe in Brief

The term 'severe' [səˈvɪər] describes something that is intense, great, or strict. It can refer to weather, pain, criticism, or other situations that are difficult to bear, as in 'The storm caused severe damage to the building.' 'Severe' can also describe a person who is strict or harsh, as in 'He received a severe reprimand from his boss.' Idioms like 'take severe measures' and 'severe test' denote extreme actions or difficult challenges.