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. See examples of severe used in a sentence.

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.

simple, plain, or austere. causing discomfort or distress by extreme character or conditions, as weather, cold, or heat; unpleasantly violent, as rain or wind, or a blow or shock. difficult to endure, perform, …

Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme: as, severe pain, anguish, or torture; severe cold; a severe winter. Difficult to be endured; trying; critical; rigorous: as, a severe test; a severe examination.

Severe generally refers to something very great or intense, such as extreme pain or weather conditions. It can also describe something serious, harsh, or stern, such as strict rules or treatment.

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

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

SEVERE meaning: 1 : very bad, serious, or unpleasant; 2 : causing a lot of physical pain or suffering