se
vere
Comparative
more severe
Superlative
most severe
1
very harsh or intense
- The building suffered severe damage from the earthquake.
- The city experienced severe flooding after the heavy rain.
- The country is facing severe economic problems.
- The doctor said his condition was severe and he needed immediate treatment.
- The winter was severe with record-breaking snowfall.
2
simple and lacking decoration or excess
- He wore a severe black suit to the meeting, with no patterns or embellishments.
- The room had a severe look, with stark white walls and minimal furniture.
- Her hair was styled in a severe bun, simple and neat.
- The architecture of the building was severe, with clean lines and no decorative features.
- His writing had a severe tone, straightforward and devoid of any unnecessary flair.
3
enforcing rules or standards with strictness or harshness
- The coach was a severe disciplinarian, demanding perfection from his team.
- The professor's severe grading policy made passing the course difficult.
- The teacher's severe expression made the students nervous.
- The judge had a severe demeanor, never showing leniency in his rulings.
4
intense or extreme in impact
- The city faced severe flooding after the storm.
- He received severe punishment for his actions.
- The company experienced severe financial losses during the recession.
- The athlete suffered severe injuries in the accident.
- The severe drought caused crops to fail across the region.
5
requiring great effort or endurance
- The marathon was a severe test of endurance and determination.
- The exam was so severe that only a few students managed to pass.
- The crisis presented a severe trial for the nation's economy.
- Recovering from the injury required severe physical therapy and patience.