Word Games Pro Dictionary
severe
adjective
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
Quick reference
Word Facts
How it sounds
Pronunciation
sɪˈvɪr
Listen
Audio Pronunciation
Meaning
Definitions
adjective
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
“A dangerous operation”
adjective
Very bad in degree or extent
“A severe worldwide depression”
adjective
Unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
“{'source': 'H.G.Wells', 'text': 'a parent severe to the pitch of hostility'}”
adjective
Intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
“Severe pain”
adjective
Severely simple
“A stark interior”
adjective
Very strong or vigorous
“A hard left to the chin”
In context
Example Sentences
A dangerous operation
A grave situation
A grave illness
Grievous bodily harm
A serious wound
A severe worldwide depression
The house suffered severe damage
{'source': 'H.G.Wells', 'text': 'a parent severe to the pitch of hostility'}
A hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
A strict disciplinarian
A Spartan upbringing
Severe pain
A severe case of flu
A terrible cough
Under wicked fire from the enemy's guns
A wicked cough
A stark interior
A hard left to the chin
A knockout punch
A severe blow
Similar words
Synonyms
Check yourself
Practise This Word
Three quick questions on this word. Nothing is recorded — practise it as often as you like.