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.

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.

Severe definition: Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others.

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 endure, perform, …

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; rigorous; harsh; …

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 without …

6 days ago · The most likely solution to the U.S. debt crisis is severe austerity triggered by a fiscal calamity, former White House economic adviser says