# severe

Pronunciation: say "si-VEER" US /sɪˈvɪɹ/, UK /sɪˈvɪə/

## Adjective

1. Very bad or intense, serious enough to cause significant harm or concern.
   - Simple: Very bad or strong, causing a lot of harm or trouble.
   - _The region is facing a severe drought after months without rain._
   - _He suffered severe injuries in the crash but is expected to recover._
2. Strict or harsh, showing little kindness or leniency in judgment, treatment, or punishment.
   - Simple: Very strict or hard on people, without kindness or mercy.
   - _The new manager takes a severe approach to lateness, docking pay for every missed minute._
   - _Critics gave the film a severe review, calling it a complete failure._
3. Sober and plain in appearance; austere, without ornament, decoration, or softness.
   - Simple: Very plain and serious in style, with nothing pretty or extra added.
   - _His severe haircut and plain gray suit made him look older than he was._
   - _The church's severe stone facade contrasts with its richly painted interior._

## Origin

Latin severus ("severe, serious, grave in demeanor") came into English through Middle French.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/severe (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).