Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Severe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌩️
Add to dictionary

severe

[səˈvɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

very great; intense. Used to describe extreme weather conditions such as storms, heat, or cold.

Synonyms

extreme, harsh, intense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
severe

Appropriate when discussing serious or very bad situations, often used for illnesses, weather, or punishments.

  • He suffered from severe depression.
  • The storm caused severe damage to the town.
intense

Used to describe something that is very strong, often emotionally or physically demanding.

  • The heat was so intense it was hard to breathe.
  • They had an intense argument.
extreme

Best used when describing something that is very great in degree or ends of a range, often in sports, weather conditions, or opinions.

  • Extreme sports can be very dangerous.
  • They lived in extreme poverty.
harsh

Suitable for describing situations, conditions, or behaviors that are unpleasant and unkind. This word often carries a negative sentiment.

  • The winters in that region are very harsh.
  • She received harsh criticism for her actions.

Examples of usage

  • The severe storm caused widespread damage to the area.
  • The severe heatwave led to water shortages in the region.
Context #2 | Adjective

punishment

strict or harsh in nature. Used to describe punishment or consequences that are severe.

Synonyms

harsh, rigorous, stringent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
severe

This word can be used to describe something very serious or difficult. It is often used for weather, punishment, or medical conditions.

  • The storm caused severe damage to the buildings.
  • His illness is very severe and needs immediate attention.
  • The judge gave a severe sentence to the criminal.
harsh

This word is used to describe something extremely unkind, cruel, or difficult to endure. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The teacher was very harsh with the students for their mistakes.
  • The desert has a harsh climate.
  • Critics gave harsh reviews for the new movie.
stringent

This word is often used to describe rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed closely. It carries a sense of strictness and rigor.

  • The new safety regulations are very stringent.
  • The school has stringent policies about attendance.
  • Financial institutions must adhere to stringent guidelines.
rigorous

This is used to describe something very thorough and accurate, often requiring a lot of effort. It is commonly used for processes, tests, or discipline.

  • The new policy went through a rigorous review process.
  • The training program is rigorous and challenging.
  • Scientists conducted rigorous experiments to validate the theory.

Examples of usage

  • The judge imposed a severe penalty on the defendant.
  • The school has a policy of severe consequences for cheating.
Context #3 | Adjective

illness

very serious or dangerous. Used to describe a medical condition that poses a significant threat to health.

Synonyms

critical, grave, serious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
severe

This word is commonly used to describe something very intense, harsh, or extreme. It is often used in the context of weather conditions, medical conditions, or situations that are damaging and strict.

  • The region was hit by a severe storm that caused widespread damage.
  • She is suffering from severe allergies.
  • The company is facing severe financial difficulties.
serious

This word can be applied to a wide range of situations where something is not light-hearted or trivial. It often describes important, significant, or worrying matters.

  • This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
  • She has a serious expression on her face.
  • He was involved in a serious accident that required hospital treatment.
critical

This word is often used when describing something of great importance or urgency that requires immediate attention. In medicine, it describes a medical state that is life-threatening. It can also be used to indicate a crucial point or situation.

  • The patient is in critical condition and needs immediate surgery.
  • Your feedback is critical to the success of this project.
  • We are at a critical juncture in the negotiations.
grave

This word is used to convey a very serious and solemn tone, often relating to situations that are deeply serious or have potential negative consequences. It can describe emotions, demeanor, or situations.

  • There were grave concerns about the safety of the miners.
  • He spoke in a grave voice, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
  • The report warned of grave consequences if no action was taken.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was in a severe condition and required immediate treatment.
  • The disease can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In mental health contexts, severe conditions can refer to disorders that significantly interfere with daily life.
  • The perception of severity in psychological issues can vary widely based on individual experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Weather

  • Severe weather includes phenomena like thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, all of which can have devastating effects.
  • Meteorologists use specific criteria to classify storms and their impacts as 'severe', based on wind speed and damage potential.

Law

  • In legal terms, severe penalties can refer to harsh punishments for crimes, reflecting the seriousness of certain offenses.
  • The concept of severe consequences is often debated in terms of justice and rehabilitation versus deterrence.

Literature

  • The term is frequently used in literature to describe characters or situations that evoke strong emotions, often representing hardship.
  • In poetry, severe imagery can create profound emotional responses, highlighting stark contrasts in themes.

Origin of 'severe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'severus', meaning 'serious' or 'stern'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe things that are intense or strict.

The word 'severe' originated from the Latin word 'severus', meaning serious or strict. Over time, it evolved to encompass the meanings of extreme, intense, and strict. The adjective 'severe' has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe things that are intense, harsh, or strict.

See also: several, severance, severing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,601, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.