adjective
severe
sih-VEER
adjective
1
Very bad, intense, or extreme.
"The region was hit by a severe drought that lasted three years."
"She suffered severe injuries in the crash."
2
Strict, harsh, or unforgiving.
"The judge was known for handing down severe sentences."
"His parents were severe about homework and curfews."
3
Plain and unadorned in appearance; austere.
"She wore a severe black suit to the interview."
How to Use Severe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExtremely serious, harsh, or intense — used for weather, pain, punishment, or a stark plain look.
Common pairings
severe weather
severe pain
severe punishment
severe consequences
Word Forms
severer comparative, more severe comparative, Severes plural, most severe superlative, severest superlative
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The region was hit by a _____ drought that lasted three years.
Etymology
From Middle French, ultimately from Latin severus, "serious, strict, grave."