severe — extremely serious or demanding; harsh in treatment
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: extremely serious or demanding; harsh in treatment
Pronunciation (IPA): /sɪˈvɪr/
Example Sentences
- My mom gave me a severe look when I came home at 3 AM with pizza stains on my shirt.
- The severe winter caused many flights to be cancelled.
- His severe allergy to cats means he can't visit his girlfriend's house without looking like a crying tomato.
severe
ADJECTIVE[/sɪˈvɪr/]
extremely serious or demanding; harsh in treatment
The severe storm destroyed roads, homes, and power lines across the entire region.
Doctors warned that the patient’s severe injuries required immediate surgery. (SERIOUS + EXTREME = SEVERE → severe describes something extremely serious, harsh, or dangerous)
The severe storm interfered with every rescue effort until entire roads disappeared underwater.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'severus' meaning strict, serious, or harsh. The word entered English through Old French 'severe' in the 15th century.
Breakdown
se- (apart) + -verus (related to truth/seriousness) = severe. Note: The morpheme breakdown is etymological rather than productive in modern English, as 'severe' is not commonly decomposed into constituent parts by speakers.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom gave me a severe look when I came home at 3 AM with pizza stains on my shirt.”
“The severe winter caused many flights to be cancelled.”
“His severe allergy to cats means he can't visit his girlfriend's house without looking like a crying tomato.”
“The company faces severe financial difficulties.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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