severe

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/səˈvɪr/
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Very serious or intense, harshly strict, stern in manner, or plain and austere in style.
Practice using severe in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • She wore a severe black suit with no jewelry.
  • The room had a severe elegance that avoided ornament.
  • The company warned of severe financial losses.
  • A severe headache kept her in bed all afternoon.
  • The designer softened the severe shape with warmer materials.

Similar words

cold
hard
stringent
extreme
strict
draconian
intense
dangerous
serious
austere

Meanings

Very serious or intense

adjective
everyday
neutral
Very bad, strong, painful, damaging, or dangerous in degree.

Examples

  • The storm caused severe damage along the coast.
  • Doctors treated him for a severe allergic reaction.
  • The region faced a severe shortage of clean water.
  • A severe headache kept her in bed all afternoon.
  • The company warned of severe financial losses.

Similar words

serious
grave
acute
intense
extreme
critical
dangerous

Strict or harsh

adjective
law
neutral
Harsh, demanding, or uncompromising in judgment, discipline, punishment, or requirements.

Examples

  • The court imposed a severe sentence.
  • Late submissions can carry severe penalties.
  • The coach was known for severe discipline.
  • Critics called the punishment unnecessarily severe.
  • The new law introduced severe restrictions on exports.

Similar words

harsh
stern
strict
stringent
rigorous
draconian
uncompromising

Stern in manner

adjective
personality
neutral
Cold, serious, and unfriendly in expression, tone, or behaviour.

Examples

  • His severe expression silenced the room.
  • She answered in a severe tone.
  • The portrait shows a severe woman in a black coat.
  • A severe glance from the supervisor ended the argument.
  • The principal's severe manner intimidated new students.

Similar words

stern
grim
austere
cold
forbidding
hard
unsmiling

Plain and austere in style

adjective
style
neutral
Simple, spare, and without decoration, often in a way that feels controlled or stark.

Examples

  • The building's severe lines suited the cold landscape.
  • She wore a severe black suit with no jewelry.
  • The room had a severe elegance that avoided ornament.
  • His paintings moved toward a more severe style.
  • The designer softened the severe shape with warmer materials.

Similar words

plain
austere
spare
stark
unadorned
restrained
minimal

Etymology

From Old French severe, from Latin severus, meaning strict, serious, or stern.

FAQ

What does severe mean?

Severe means very serious or intense, harshly strict, stern in manner, or plain and austere in style.

Can severe describe weather?

Yes. Severe weather is dangerous, damaging, or extreme.

Can severe describe a person?

Yes. A severe person or expression seems stern, cold, and forbidding.

What is a severe punishment?

A severe punishment is unusually harsh, strict, or hard to bear.

Can severe describe style?

Yes. A severe style is plain, spare, and restrained rather than decorative.

Is severe stronger than serious?

Often yes. Severe usually adds a high degree of intensity, harshness, or danger.

What is the opposite of severe?

Common opposites include mild, minor, lenient, gentle, and ornate, depending on the sense.

Where does severe come from?

It comes through Old French from Latin severus, meaning strict, serious, or stern.

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