Severely

Definition

Severely is an adverb that is used to express an intense or extreme degree or manner of action.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈvɪərli/
• Respelling: sə-VEER-lee (with "sə" as in "sofa," "VEER" as in "peer," and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪˈvɪəli/
• Respelling: si-VEER-lee (with "si" as in "sip," "VEER" as in "peer," and "lee" as in "see")

In both dialects, "severely" is pronounced with an initial syllable that varies slightly in vowel quality between American and British English, followed by "VEER" with a long "ee" sound, and ending with "lee." The primary stress is on the second syllable, "VEER." The American pronunciation starts with a more neutral or schwa-like sound, whereas the British version starts with a short "i" sound.

Etymology

The term "severely" comes from the Latin word severus meaning "serious" or "grave". It has further evolved through Old French and Middle English into its modern form. The adverbial form is derived by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "severe."

Derivatives

• Severe
• Severeness
• Severity
• Sever
• Severable

Synonyms

• Seriously
• Harshly
• Extremely

Antonyms

• Mildly
• Slightly
• Moderately

Usage

"Severely" is commonly used to modify verbs to express an extreme or intense degree of action or condition. It can be used in various contexts, from medical, like describing symptoms, to everyday situations like commenting on weather conditions.

Related Terms

• Intensity
• Extremity
• Rigor
• Strictness
• Sternness

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• In a harsh, extreme, or intense manner: This word is often used to indicate an intense level or extreme manner of action or condition. For example, one might be severely punished for breaking a rule, or a region might be severely affected by a drought.
• To a degree that causes hardship or suffering: The word can also imply a degree of seriousness that leads to hardship, suffering, or unfavorable outcomes. For example, an accident victim might be severely injured, or a community might be severely impacted by a natural disaster.