severe

/sɪˈvɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪˈvɪr/ (ame, ipa) · /sə-ˈvir/ (ame, mw)

severe — adjective

1. describes something harmful, dangerous, or unpleasant that happens or exists to

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes something harmful, dangerous, or unpleasant that happens or exists to a very great degree — such as a storm that destroys buildings, a disease that threatens someone's life, or a crisis that affects an entire country

例句

The typhoon was so severe that it tore the roofs off dozens of houses.

collocation: severe [extreme weather event]

After falling from her bicycle, Rachel felt severe pain in her right wrist.

collocation: severe pain

同義詞
  • serious

    broader and more neutral; a serious problem may not be as intense as a severe one

  • intense

    focuses on the strength or force of something rather than the harm it causes

  • critical

    adds urgency and the idea that something could become dangerous very soon

反義詞
  • mild

    refers to a low degree of harm or intensity, opposite of severe in medical and weather contexts

  • minor

    describes something small or unimportant, not causing serious harm

文法句型

severe + noun (storm/pain/illness/damage/shortage)

subject + be + severe

用法筆記

Commonly modifies nouns describing natural events (storm, drought, earthquake), medical conditions (pain, injury, infection, illness), or abstract problems (shortage, crisis, recession). This is the most frequent use of the word.

常見錯誤

❌The weather was severely today.
✅The weather was severe today.
💡Severe is an adjective; severely is the adverb form.
❌He had a strong storm.' (when meaning powerful/damaging).
✅He had a severe storm.
💡Strong describes physical force; severe describes the harmful degree.

2. needing a lot of effort, ability, or determination to deal with — used about phy

2.形容詞B2
釋義

needing a lot of effort, ability, or determination to deal with — used about physical challenges, intellectual tasks, or demanding situations that push a person to their limits

例句

The final round of the competition was a severe test of the team's fitness.

collocation: severe test

Vivek found the advanced mathematics course too severe for his current skill level.

severe for + noun phrase describing the person

同義詞
  • demanding

    emphasizes the effort required; sounds more neutral than severe

  • strenuous

    used mainly for physical effort and activity

  • arduous

    formal; describes something that is long, tiring, and difficult

反義詞
  • easy

    describes something that requires little effort

  • simple

    describes something that is not complicated or demanding

文法句型

severe + noun (test/challenge/competition/exam)

subject + be + severe

用法筆記

Frequently modifies nouns like test, challenge, competition, or exam when describing something that demands great effort or skill. Unlike sense 1, this sense is not used for physical harm or damage.

常見錯誤

❌This crossword puzzle is severe.
✅This crossword puzzle is extremely difficult.
💡Severe is typically reserved for significant challenges, not everyday puzzles.
❌It was a severe problem to solve.' (vague).
✅It was a severe test of the team's problem-solving skills.
💡Pair severe with a noun that names the type of challenge.

3. showing a strict and unsympathetic attitude toward other people — making very hi

3.形容詞B2
釋義

showing a strict and unsympathetic attitude toward other people — making very high demands, giving strong criticism, or applying harsh punishments without leniency

例句

Judge Okonkwo gave the young offender a severe warning about the consequences of stealing.

collocation: severe warning

Paloma's parents were severe with her about completing homework before watching television.

grammar: be severe with [someone] about [something]

反義詞
  • lenient

    describes someone who is permissive and not strict in judgment or punishment

  • gentle

    describes someone who is kind and soft, the opposite of harsh in manner

文法句型

severe + noun (criticism/punishment/warning/sentence/expression)

be severe with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Describes a person's character, facial expression, criticism, rules, or punishment. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 focuses on someone's strict attitude or behavior toward others, not the high degree of a negative event.

4. having a deliberately plain and simple appearance with no ornaments, patterns, o

4.形容詞C1
釋義

having a deliberately plain and simple appearance with no ornaments, patterns, or colourful details — used especially to describe clothing, hairstyles, architecture, or design that avoids decoration for a sober effect

例句

Salma wore a severe black suit with no jewellery or makeup to the interview.

collocation: severe [clothing style]

The architect designed the house with severe concrete walls and bare wooden floors.

collocation: severe [architectural style]

同義詞
  • plain

    more common and less formal; may simply mean ordinary rather than deliberately simple

  • simple

    broad term; emphasises lack of complexity rather than lack of ornament

  • austere

    formal; suggests a strict, almost deliberately uncomfortable simplicity

反義詞
  • ornate

    describes something with a lot of decoration and detail, the visual opposite of severe

  • decorative

    describes something intended to be ornamental rather than plain

文法句型

severe + noun (style/suit/hairstyle/architecture/makeup)

subject + be + severe

用法筆記

Typically used in formal or literary contexts. The nouns modified usually relate to appearance — clothing, hairstyles, architecture, interior design, or art. This sense has a neutral-to-positive connotation in design criticism, suggesting discipline and restraint rather than coldness.