severe
səˈvɪər
Definition Synonyms

Definition of severe - Reverso English Dictionary

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Adjective

1.
intensityvery bad or intense in degree
  • The storm caused severe damage to the town.
extreme intense
2.
disciplinestrict or harsh in treatment
  • The teacher was known for her severe rules.
harsh stern strict
3.
difficultyhard to endure or accomplish
  • Climbing the mountain was a severe challenge.
arduous challenging tough
4.
appearanceUKplain and without decorationUK
  • The room had a severe design with no ornaments.
austere unadorned
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Expressions with severe

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deliver a powerful hit or strike
The boxer dealt a severe blow to his opponent's jaw.
dangerous weather conditions strong enough to threaten safety or cause damage
The forecast warns of severe weather across the region tonight.
very hard hit or event causing great harm or sadness
Losing his job was a severe blow to his confidence.
difficult challenge or trial
The marathon was a severe test of endurance.
coronavirus-induced pneumonia with severe symptoms
Doctors treated patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome.
genetic disorder causing weak immune system from birth
Severe combined immunodeficiency requires early diagnosis and treatment.

Origin of severe

Latin, severus (stern)

Terms with severe included in their meaning

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worstadj.
impact
most harmful or severe
badlyadv.
severity
to a great or severe degree
gentleadj.
touch
soft and mild rather than hard or severe
hardadj.
harsh conditions
severe or harsh in effect
weather
severe tropical cyclone with strong winds and rain
minoradj.
medical
not life-threatening or severe
worseadj.
severity
more severe or serious
worseadv.
severity
in a more severe or serious manner

Examples of severe in a sentence

  • Severe weather warnings were issued for the area.
  • His severe punishment left a lasting impression on the students.
  • The severe measures were necessary to maintain order.
  • The severe weather conditions halted the expedition.
  • His severe criticism made her reconsider her approach.
  • The building's severe facade had no decorative trim.

View all translations of severe

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:sévère, rigoureux, ...
  2. German:schwer, streng, ...
  3. Italian:grave, difficile, ...
  4. Spanish:severo, estricto, ...
  5. Portuguese:severo, rigoroso, ...
  6. Chinese:严重的, 严厉, ...
  7. Japanese:甚大な, 厳しい, ...
  8. Arabic:شَدِيد, صَارِم, ...
  9. Hebrew:חָמוּר, נוּקְשֶׁה, ...
  10. Russian:серьезный, суровый, ...
  11. Ukrainian:сильний, суворий, ...
  12. Hindi:गंभीर, कठोर, ...
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