SEVERE definition: 1. causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious: 2. extreme or very…. Learn more.

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

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.

harsh; unnecessarily extreme:severe criticism. stern in manner or appearance:Her hair was tied in a tight, severe bun. plain; without much decoration. grave; critical:a severe illness. of an …

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.

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 …