severely
word
/səˈvɪɹɫi/
suh-VEER-lee
/sɪvˈiəli/
si-VEER-lee
Definition
In a very serious, harsh, or extreme way. Often describes strong negative effects or the strictness of actions.
Usage & Nuances
Common with negative impacts ('severely damaged', 'severely ill'). More formal/academic than 'badly' or 'very'. Used for both physical and abstract situations. Not used for positive things.
Spanish: severamente - gravementePortuguese (BR): severamente - gravementePortuguese (PT): severamente - gravementeChinese (Simplified): 严重地 - 严厉地Chinese (Traditional): 嚴重地 - 嚴厲地Hindi: गंभीर रूप से - कठोरता सेArabic: بشدة - بقسوةBengali: গুরুতরভাবে - কঠোরভাবেRussian: серьёзно - строгоJapanese: 厳しく - 深刻にVietnamese: nghiêm trọng - nghiêm khắcKorean: 심하게 - 엄격하게Turkish: ağır şekilde - ciddi şekildeUrdu: شدید طور پرIndonesian: parah - keras
Example Sentences
The storm severely damaged the houses.
basic
She was severely punished for breaking the rules.
basic
Many children were severely affected by the disease.
basic
He was severely criticized for his speech.
natural
The company's profits dropped severely last year.
natural
If you break the law, you can be severely fined.
natural