severe

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /sɪˈvɪə/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Adjective

Positive severe

Comparative severer

Superlative severest

1. Very bad.

   He has a severe wound from dropping a big knife on his foot.

2. Someone who is severe gets angry easily or frequently punishes people; they are harsh or strict.

   The teacher had a severe way of making the learners sit still.

Synonyms

• difficult
• serious
• simple
• critical
• dangerous
• terrible

Related words

• severity