(~r, ~st)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
You use ~ to indicate that something bad or undesirable is great or intense.
...a business with ~ cash flow problems...
Steve passed out on the floor and woke up blinded and in ~ pain...
Shortages of professional staff are very ~ in some places.
ADJ
~ly
The UN wants to send food aid to 10 countries in Africa ~ly affected by the drought...
An aircraft overshot the runway and was ~ly damaged.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
severity
Several drugs are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp
2.
Severe punishments or criticisms are very strong or harsh.
This was a dreadful crime and a ~ sentence is necessary...
ADJ
~ly
...a campaign to try to change the law to punish dangerous drivers more ~ly.
ADV: ADV with v
severity
The Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence...
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp