severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe adjective (VERY SERIOUS) Add to word list causing great pain, difficulty, damage, etc.; very serious: a severe earthquake

SEVERE definition: harsh; unnecessarily extreme. See examples of severe used in a sentence.

Find 204 different ways to say SEVERE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.

1. harsh; unnecessarily extreme: severe criticism. 2. serious or stern in manner or appearance. 3. grave; critical: a severe illness. 4. rigidly restrained in style, taste, etc.; plain; austere.

The common usage is to describe tough or painful stuff, like icy snowstorms, merciless punishments, or grim conditions (e.g., a severe depression). If things are severe, they're serious.

simple, plain, or austere. 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. difficult to …

Serious or earnest in feeling, manner, or appearance; without levity; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful. Very strict in judgment, discipline, or ac tion; not mild or indulgent; …

Some common synonyms of severe are ascetic, austere, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," severe implies standards enforced …

SEVERE definition: 1. extremely bad: 2. not kind or gentle: 3. A severe person looks unfriendly or very strict.. Learn more.