Meaning & use

severely

adverb·Everyday

To a very great or serious degree, especially in a harsh or damaging way.

See it in a sentence

The storm severely damaged several houses along the coast last night.

She was severely criticized for missing the project deadline twice.

A note on using this word

Often pairs with words describing injury, punishment, or criticism to stress its intensity.

Words with a similar meaning

seriouslyharshly

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

mildlyslightly

Make it your own

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