What does severe mean Meaning and Definition
What does severe mean
Pronunciation
/sɪˈvɪər/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Causing great discomfort, damage, or suffering; intense or extreme in degree, quality, or amount.
Examples
- The patient had severe injuries from the accident.
- The weather forecast predicted severe thunderstorms for the evening.
Synonyms
- Extreme
- Harsh
- Intense
Antonyms
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
Additional Information
The term “severe” is often used to describe conditions or situations that are extreme or intense in nature. In medical contexts, severe symptoms or conditions may require immediate attention or treatment. In environmental contexts, severe weather events, such as hurricanes or wildfires, can have devastating effects on communities and ecosystems.
In everyday language, the term “severe” is often used to emphasize the intensity or degree of something. For example, a severe headache might be described as one that is extremely painful or debilitating. Similarly, a severe penalty might be one that is unusually harsh or punitive.
It’s worth noting that the term “severe” can be subjective, and what one person considers severe, another person might not. However, in general, the term is used to convey a sense of intensity or extremity.
Etimology
The word “severe” comes from the Latin word “severus,” which means “stern” or “austere.” This Latin word is also the source of the English word “severity.”
Usage Notes
The term “severe” is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in medical or scientific writing. However, it can also be used in informal contexts to emphasize the intensity or degree of something.
Cultural References
The term “severe” has been used in a variety of cultural contexts, including in literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “severe weather warning” is often used in news broadcasts to alert viewers to impending storms or other extreme weather events.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “severe” include “severe consequences,” “severe penalties,” and “severe weather conditions.”
Related Words or Phrases
Some words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage to “severe” include “extreme,” “intense,” “harsh,” and “punitive.”
Collocations
Some common collocations with the term “severe” include “severe weather,” “severe injuries,” and “severe consequences.”
Frequency of Use
The term “severe” is relatively common in modern language, and is often used in formal and informal contexts to emphasize the intensity or degree of something.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “severe” include “sever,” “sevire,” and “sevure.”