se·vere
(sə-vîŕ)
[Latin sevērus, serious, strict.]
adjective: -ver·er, -ver·est.
- Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others: a severe critic.
- Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles: a severe code of behavior.
- Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance: spoke in a severe voice.
- Extremely plain in substance or style: a severe black dress.
- Causing great discomfort, damage, or distress: a severe pain; a severe storm.
- Very dangerous or harmful; grave or grievous: severe mental illness.
- Extremely difficult to perform or endure; trying: a severe test of our loyalty.
derivatives
- se·verély
- adverb
- se·veréness
- noun
synonyms:
severe, stern1austere, ascetic, strict These adjectives mean unsparing and exacting with respect to discipline or control. Severe implies adherence to rigorous standards or high principles and often suggests harshness: “Praise or blame has but a momentary effect on the man whose love of beauty in the abstract makes him a severe critic on his own works” (John Keats) Stern suggests unyielding disposition, uncompromising resolution, or forbidding appearance or nature: “a man fatally stern and implacable” (George Meredith) Austere connotes aloofness or lack of feeling or sympathy, and often rigid morality: Austere officers demand meticulous conformity with military regulations. Ascetic suggests self-discipline and often renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual improvement: “Be systematically ascetic … do … something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it” (William James) Strict means requiring or showing stringent observance of obligations, rules, or standards: “He could not be severe nor even passably strict” (W.H. Hudson)
