adj.
Pronunciation: s ə - ' vir
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: se · ver · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin severus
Date: 1548
1 a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government b : of a strict or stern bearing or manner : AUSTERE
2 : rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : STRINGENT , RESTRICTIVE
3 : strongly critical or condemnatory : CENSORIOUS <a severe critic>
4 a : maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline b : establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes <a severe logician>
5 : sober or restrained in decoration or manner : PLAIN <a severe dress>
6 a : inflicting physical discomfort or hardship : HARSH < severe winters> b : inflicting pain or distress : GRIEVOUS <a severe wound>
7 : requiring great effort : ARDUOUS <a severe test>
8 : of a great degree : SERIOUS < severe depression>
– se · vere · ly adverb
– se · vere · ness noun
– se · ver · i · ty \ s ə - ' ver- ə -t ē \ noun
synonyms SEVERE , STERN , AUSTERE , ASCETIC mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. SEVERE implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness < severe military discipline>. STERN stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character < stern arbiters of public morality>. AUSTERE stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial <living an austere life in the country>. ASCETIC implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline <the ascetic life of the monks>.