severely

UK: /sɪˈvɪə^rli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

se•vere /səˈvɪr/   adj., -ver•er, -ver•est. 

1. harsh; unnecessarily extreme:
   severe criticism.
2. stern in manner or appearance:
   Her hair was tied in a tight, severe bun.
3. plain;
   without much decoration.
4. grave;
   critical:
   a severe illness.
5. of an extreme or violent nature:
   severe thunderstorms.
6. difficult to endure, perform, etc.:
   a severe test of strength.
7. very exact;
   demanding:
   severe standards.

se•vere•ly, adv. 
se•ver•i•ty /səˈvɛrɪti/  n. 

[uncountable] the severity of his condition.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

se•vere  (sə vēr′), adj., -ver•er, -ver•est. 

1. harsh;
   unnecessarily extreme:
   severe criticism; severe laws.
2. serious or stern in manner or appearance:
   a severe face.
3. grave;
   critical:
   a severe illness.
4. rigidly restrained in style, taste, manner, etc.;
   simple, plain, or austere.
5. causing discomfort or distress by extreme character or conditions, as weather, cold, or heat;
   unpleasantly violent, as rain or wind, or a blow or shock.
6. difficult to endure, perform, fulfill, etc.:
   a severe test of his powers.
7. rigidly exact, accurate, or methodical:
   severe standards.

• Latin sevērus, or back formation from severity
• 1540–50

se•vere′ly, adv. 
se•vere′ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 2. strict, hard. See stern ¹.
• 4. unadorned.
• 7. demanding, exacting.

Antonyms

• 1. lenient.
• 2. gentle.