severe

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /sɪˈvɪə/

• Audio (US)

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Adjective

Positive severe

Comparative severer

Superlative severest

1. Something that is severe is very bad.

   He has a severe wound from dropping a big knife on his foot.

2. Someone who is severe gets angry easily or frequently punishes people; they are harsh or strict.

   The teacher had a severe way of making the learners sit still.

Synonyms

• difficult
• serious
• simple
• critical
• dangerous
• terrible

Related words

• severity
• severeness