severely

/sɪˈvɪəli/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪˈvɪrli/ (ame, ipa)

severely — adverb

1. to a very great degree, especially in a way that causes harm, damage, or difficu

1.副詞B1
釋義

to a very great degree, especially in a way that causes harm, damage, or difficulty

例句

Dewi's laptop was severely damaged when she dropped it on the concrete floor.

collocation: severely damaged

Reema's grandmother became severely ill and had to stay in the hospital for several weeks.

collocation: severely ill

同義詞
  • seriously

    more neutral; can describe both negative and neutral situations

  • badly

    more informal and common in everyday speech

  • gravely

    more formal, typically used for very serious situations like illness or danger

反義詞

文法句型

severely + past participle (damaged/injured/affected)

用法筆記

Commonly modifies past participles or adjectives with a negative meaning. Does not usually combine with positive or neutral words — for example, 'severely happy' is unnatural.

常見錯誤

❌The exam was severely difficult.
✅The exam was extremely difficult.
💡'Severely' describes actual harm or damage, not general difficulty.
❌The food was severely spicy.
✅The food was extremely spicy.
💡Use 'extremely' for neutral or positive qualities; 'severely' carries a negative tone.

2. used for actions that punish or criticise someone without showing any warmth or

2.副詞B2
釋義

used for actions that punish or criticise someone without showing any warmth or mercy

例句

The judge severely punished the company for dumping chemicals into the local river.

collocation: severely punished

Nala's parents spoke to her severely when she came home after midnight without calling.

adverb placement with intensifier: very severely

同義詞
  • harshly

    very similar; emphasises lack of gentleness

  • strictly

    focuses on rule enforcement, not necessarily unkind

  • sternly

    suggests serious, frowning disapproval without cruelty

反義詞
  • gently

    opposite in manner — soft and kind

  • kindly

    opposite — showing warmth and sympathy

文法句型

severely + punish/criticise/reprimand/reproach

用法筆記

Stronger than 'strictly' — it implies a lack of warmth or mercy, not just firm adherence to rules. Often used in contexts of formal punishment or public criticism.

常見錯誤

❌The rule was severely applied to everyone.
✅The rule was strictly applied to everyone.
💡'Strictly' fits rule-following; 'severely' implies harshness.
❌She severely told him to sit down.
✅She told him sharply to sit down.
💡'Severely' does not naturally combine with 'tell' in this short pattern.

3. with a deliberately bare style that has no decoration, bright colours, or extra

3.副詞B2
釋義

with a deliberately bare style that has no decoration, bright colours, or extra details — used for clothing, furniture, or architecture

例句

Adina wore a severely simple black dress to the ceremony, with no jewellery at all.

collocation: severely simple

The inside of the old church was severely plain, with white walls and wooden benches.

collocation: severely plain

同義詞
  • plainly

    more neutral and common; lacks the tone of strictness

  • simply

    everyday word for uncomplicated style

  • austerely

    formal; emphasises strict lack of comfort or luxury

反義詞
  • lavishly

    opposite — rich in decoration and expense

  • ornamentally

    opposite — with decorative features

文法句型

severely + adjective (plain/simple/classic)

用法筆記

This sense is less common in everyday conversation. In modern English, 'plainly' or 'simply' is usually preferred for neutral statements, while 'severely' adds a tone of deliberate bareness or strictness.

常見錯誤

❌Her room was severely clean.
✅Her room was extremely clean.
💡'Severely' describes lack of decoration, not degree of cleanliness.
❌He dressed severely for the beach party.
✅He dressed very simply for the beach party.
💡This sense sounds too formal and unnatural for casual situations.