What is severe? Pronunciation and usage in English

severe means . Learn how to pronounce and use severe through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of severe

severeadjective

/sɪˈvɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of severe

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "severe." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /sɪˈvɪr/ (This is how it's pronounced in American English)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. si - Pronounced like the word "see." ( /sɪ/ )
  2. -ˈvɪr/ - This is the stressed syllable.
    • -ˈ - This is the primary stress marker. It tells you to emphasize this syllable.
    • vɪr - Pronounced like "veer" but with a shorter vowel sound. ( /vɪr/ ) It's similar to the "ir" in "bird" or "girl."

Putting it all together: "See-veer"

Here's a helpful visualization:

Common Mistakes & Tips:

  • Don't say "se-ver." The "er" sound isn't pronounced as a separate syllable.
  • Emphasize the second syllable. This is key!
  • The "r" is lightly pronounced. It's not a strong "r" like in "red."

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you another example word with a similar pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word severe in English

Let's break down how to use the word "severe" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it has a specific meaning and a few different ways it can be employed.

1. Core Meaning: Extremely Bad or Serious

At its most basic, "severe" means extremely bad, intense, or serious. It emphasizes a high degree of something negative.

  • Example: "The storm brought severe flooding to the coastal areas." (The flooding was unusually bad.)
  • Example: "He suffered severe injuries in the accident." (The injuries were very serious.)
  • Example: "She has a severe headache." (The headache is very intense.)

2. Common Uses and Nuances:

Here’s a breakdown of how "severe" is often used, with examples:

  • a) Weather: This is a very common usage.

    • "A severe blizzard hit the Midwest." (A very strong and dangerous blizzard.)
    • "We experienced severe thunderstorms last night." (Intense thunderstorms.)
    • "The heat is severe today." (Extremely hot.)

  • b) Illness/Health: Used to describe the intensity of an illness or condition.

    • “She’s recovering from severe pneumonia.” (A very serious case of pneumonia.)
    • “He has a severe allergy.” (A very strong and potentially dangerous allergy.)
    • “The doctor diagnosed a severe case of the flu.” (A particularly bad flu.)

  • c) Punishment/Consequences: Indicates a harsh or harsh penalty.

    • “The judge handed down a severe sentence.” (A very strict punishment.)
    • "The company faced severe penalties for violating environmental regulations." (Very serious consequences)

  • d) Criticism/Reaction: Refers to a forceful or critical response.

    • “He received severe criticism for his performance.” (Strong and negative feedback.)
    • “The audience gave the play a severe review.” (A very harsh review.)

  • e) Intensity of Feelings (Less Common): Can describe intense emotions, but often stronger words (like "profound" or "intense") are preferred.

    • “She felt a severe sense of loss.” (A very strong feeling of grief - though "deep" or "profound" might be better choices.)

3. Synonyms & Related Words:

Using synonyms can help you choose the best word for the context. Here are some:

  • Serious: (Similar – often interchangeable)
  • Extreme: (Emphasizes the high degree)
  • Intense: (Highlights strength and force)
  • Harsh: (Often used for punishment or weather)
  • Severe: (Can be used as a direct substitute.)
  • Critical: (When referring to reviews or judgments)
  • Profound: (For intense feelings)

4. Important Note - Comparisons:

“Severe” is often used in comparison to something less intense. It’s relative. A "severe headache" is bad, but it’s not as bad as a “life-threatening headache.”

5. How to Practice:

  • Write sentences: Try using “severe” in different contexts.
  • Read: Pay attention to how “severe” is used in books, articles, and other texts.
  • Listen: Notice how native speakers use the word in conversation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "severe" in? (e.g., describing a weather event, explaining a medical condition, talking about a situation at work?)

Synonyms for the word severe

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