se ‧ vere ‧ ly /səˈvɪəli, sɪˈvɪəli $ -ˈvɪr-/ BrE AmE adverb
1 . very badly or to a great degree:
The town was severely damaged in the war.
She’s now severely disabled.
2 . in a strict way:
Parents don’t punish their children so severely these days.
3 . in a very unfriendly or disapproving way:
‘Stop behaving like a fool!’ she said severely.
4 . in a plain simple style with little or no decoration:
a severely dressed woman
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ severely damaged
The hotel was severely damaged by fire last November.
▪ severely disabled/injured
An unnecessary operation left him severely disabled.
▪ severely ill formal
a hospital ward for severely ill patients
▪ severely affected
The town is already severely affected by aircraft noise.
▪ severely limited
Time for discussion is severely limited.
▪ severely restricted
Access to the power station has always been severely restricted.