severe

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♦♦ se|vere /sɪv'ɪər/ (severer severest)
1 [ADJ]
You use severe to indicate that something bad or undesirable is great or intense.
...a business with severe cash flow problems...
Steve passed out on the floor and woke up blinded and in severe pain...
Shortages of professional staff are very severe in some places.
● severely [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
The UN wants to send food aid to 10 countries in Africa severely affected by the drought...
An aircraft overshot the runway and was severely damaged.
● severity [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
Several drugs are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
2 [ADJ]
Severe punishments or criticisms are very strong or harsh.
This was a dreadful crime and a severe sentence is necessary...
● severely [ADV] ADV with v
...a campaign to try to change the law to punish dangerous drivers more severely.
● severity [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp
The Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence...

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