SEVERE


Meaning of SEVERE in English

/ sɪˈvɪə(r); NAmE -ˈvɪr/ adjective

( se·verer , se·ver·est )

VERY BAD

1.

extremely bad or serious :

a severe handicap

His injuries are severe.

severe weather conditions

a severe winter (= one during which the weather conditions are extremely bad)

The party suffered severe losses during the last election.

a severe shortage of qualified staff

PUNISHMENT

2.

severe (on / with sb) punishing sb in an extreme way when they break a particular set of rules

SYN harsh :

The courts are becoming more severe on young offenders.

a severe punishment / sentence

NOT KIND

3.

not kind or sympathetic and showing disapproval of sb/sth

SYN stern :

a severe expression

She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.

VERY DIFFICULT

4.

extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability

SYN stiff :

The marathon is a severe test of stamina.

STYLE / APPEARANCE / CLOTHING

5.

( disapproving ) extremely plain and lacking any decoration :

Modern furniture is a little too severe for my taste.

Her hair was short and severe.

►  se·vere·ly adverb :

severely disabled

areas severely affected by unemployment

Anyone breaking the law will be severely punished.

a severely critical report

Her hair was tied severely in a bun.

►  se·ver·ity / sɪˈverəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:

A prison sentence should match the severity of the crime.

The chances of a full recovery will depend on the severity of her injuries.

the severity of the problem

He frowned with mock severity.

The elaborate facade contrasts strongly with the severity of the interior.

••

WORD ORIGIN

mid 16th cent. (in sense 2): from French sévère or Latin severus .

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.