- severe
- [[t]sɪvɪ͟ə(r)[/t]]
♦♦severer, severest1) ADJ-GRADED You use severe to indicate that something bad or undesirable is great or intense.
...a business with severe cash flow problems...
I suffered from severe bouts of depression...
Steve passed out on the floor and woke up blinded and in severe pain...
Shortages of professional staff are very severe in some places.
Derived words:severely ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v, also ADV adjThe UN wants to send food aid to 10 countries in Africa severely affected by the drought...
An aircraft overshot the runway and was severely damaged.
...the severely depressed construction industry.
severity [[t]sɪverɪti[/t]] N-UNCOUNT usu with suppSeveral drugs are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
2) ADJ-GRADED Severe punishments or criticisms are very strong or harsh.This was a dreadful crime and a severe sentence is necessary...
Before she could reply, my mother launched into a severe reprimand.
Syn:Derived words:severely ADV-GRADED ADV with v...a campaign to try to change the law to punish dangerous drivers more severely.
severity N-UNCOUNT usu with suppThe Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence...
Believers were treated with the same severity as the Christians had been a few years earlier.
3) ADJ-GRADED (disapproval) If you describe the appearance of someone or something as severe, you do not like its plain appearance and lack of decoration....wearing her felt hats and severe grey suits...
The cushions add a touch of colour in a room that might otherwise look severe.
Syn:Derived words:severity N-UNCOUNT usu with suppWhen women started working in offices, they opted for severity in dress in order to imply sobriety.
English dictionary. 2008.