adjective
1
DUBIOUS : My parents weren't at all severe with me. In fact, I was allowed to do what I liked.
GOOD : My parents weren't at all strict with me. In fact, I was allowed to do what I liked.
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severe = not kind or friendly; showing no humour or sympathy: 'Mr Cameron's angry voice and severe expression used to frighten the children.'
strict = demanding that rules or laws are always obeyed: 'Teachers have to be strict or the children take advantage of them.' 'The company is very strict about employees getting to work on time.'
2
BAD : There are severe rules as to what you can wear to school.
GOOD : There are strict rules as to what you can wear to school.
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When severe refers to punishment, criticism, damage, etc, it means 'harsh': 'Driving while drunk could endanger other people's lives, so penalties are severe.' 'This non-intervention policy has attracted severe criticism.'
To describe a rule or law that must always be obeyed, use strict : 'The deer and other animals in the park are protected by strict laws.'