Master the word " SEVERE " in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource. Synonyms for SEVERE : harsh, strict, tough, authoritarian, rigorous, stern, rigid, hard; Antonyms of SEVERE : gentle, mild, tolerant, lenient, easy, lax, indulgent ... The adjective ' severe ' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'severus,' which conveyed the sense of being strict, stern, or serious. In Latin, 'severus' was used to describe individuals who displayed a strict or uncompromising demeanor. As the word transitioned into Middle English, it retained its core meaning of being intense, harsh, or extreme in nature. ' Severe ' is used to characterize situations, conditions, or judgments that are marked by a stern and uncompromising quality. It ... Learn the meaning, pronunciation and usage of the adjective severe , which means very bad, extremely serious or very difficult. Find out the synonyms, collocations and word origin of severe in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.