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 definition: 1. causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious: 2. extreme or very…. Learn more.

Severe definition: harsh; unnecessarily extreme.. See examples of SEVERE used in a sentence.

Definition of severe adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. harsh; unnecessarily extreme: severe criticism. 2. serious or stern in manner or appearance. 3. grave; critical: a severe illness. 4. rigidly restrained in style, taste, etc.; plain; austere.

Severe punishments or criticisms are very strong or harsh. This was a dreadful crime and a severe sentence is necessary.

Find 1347 different ways to say SEVERE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.

The common usage is to describe tough or painful stuff, like icy snowstorms, merciless punishments, or grim conditions (e.g., a severe depression). If things are severe, they're serious.

harsh; unnecessarily extreme:severe criticism. stern in manner or appearance:Her hair was tied in a tight, severe bun. plain; without much decoration. grave; critical:a severe illness. of an …

Severe definition: Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others.