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 adjective (VERY SERIOUS) Add to word list causing great pain, difficulty, damage, etc.; very serious: a severe earthquake Severe definition: harsh; unnecessarily extreme..
Understanding the Context
See examples of SEVERE used in a sentence. 1. harsh; unnecessarily extreme: severe criticism. 2.
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Key Insights
serious or stern in manner or appearance. 3. grave; critical: a severe illness. 4. rigidly restrained in style, taste, etc.; plain; austere.
Final Thoughts
Definition of severe adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic, austere, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced without. SEVERE definition: 1. extremely bad: 2.
not kind or gentle: 3. A severe person looks unfriendly or very strict.. Learn more. SEVERE definition: 1.