DictionaryAI

severe

adjective
Saysi-VEER/sɪˈvɪɹ/UK/sɪˈvɪə/

3 meanings of severe

Practice

  1. 1
    very badadjective
    Very bad or strong, causing a lot of harm or trouble.

    The storm caused severe damage to houses near the coast.

    Her headache was so severe that she had to go home early.

    UsageOften severe pain, severe damage, severe weather.

    Similarintense, extreme

    Oppositemild, minor

    Note
  2. 2
    strictadjective
    Very strict or hard on people, without kindness or mercy.

    Our teacher is severe and never lets anyone hand in work late.

    The judge gave him a severe punishment for stealing.

    UsageSay someone is severe with others.

    Similarharsh, strict, stern, hard, brutal

    Oppositelenient

    Note
  3. 3
    plain-lookingadjective
    Very plain and serious in style, with nothing pretty or extra added.

    Like a room with only a table and one chair: nothing extra at all.

    She wore a severe black dress with no jewelry at all.

    The office had severe white walls and almost no furniture.

    Similarplain, simple, austere, bare

    Oppositeornate, elaborate, decorative, flamboyant

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of severe apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin severus, meaning serious or grave, which came into English through Middle French.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 3 facts