Severest: meaning, definitions and examples

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severest

 

[ sɪˈvɪə.rɪst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

degree of intensity

Severest is the superlative form of severe, indicating the highest degree of harshness, seriousness, or intensity. It is often used to describe extreme conditions, situations, or treatments that are very strict or demanding. This term can pertain to various contexts, such as weather conditions, penalties, problems, or decisions. The word suggests that something is more rigorous or challenging than anything else in comparison.

Synonyms

extreme, harshest, intensest, strictest, utmost.

Examples of usage

  • The severest winter in decades hit the region.
  • She faced the severest punishment for her actions.
  • The severest conditions tested the limits of endurance.

Translations

Translations of the word "severest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais severo

🇮🇳 अत्यधिक कठोर

🇩🇪 am strengsten

🇮🇩 paling ketat

🇺🇦 найсуворіший

🇵🇱 najsurowszy

🇯🇵 最も厳しい

🇫🇷 le plus sévère

🇪🇸 el más severo

🇹🇷 en sert

🇰🇷 가장 엄격한

🇸🇦 الأكثر صرامة

🇨🇿 nejpřísnější

🇸🇰 najprísnejší

🇨🇳 最严厉的

🇸🇮 najstrožji

🇮🇸 strangast

🇰🇿 ең қатал

🇬🇪 მკაცრი

🇦🇿 ən sərt

🇲🇽 el más severo

Etymology

The word 'severe' originates from the Latin word 'severus', which means 'serious, stern, or harsh'. This word made its way into Middle English as 'severe', retaining the similar meanings associated with difficulty and intensity. The suffix '-est' is a common English morphological process to form the superlative of adjectives, indicating the highest degree. The evolution of 'severe' into 'severest' reflects the language's inclination to express extremes in severity across various contexts, whether discussing weather patterns, legal penalties, or emotional states. The usage of 'severest' can often evoke powerful imagery, solidifying its place in the English lexicon as a descriptor for the utmost intensity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,640, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.