What is severely? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of severely

severelyadverb

/sɪˈvɪəli/
Definition & pronunciation of severely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "severely" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a detailed guide:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for the most precise understanding):

  • /sɪˈvɪr.li/ (This is how it would be written using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

2. Breakdown by Syllable:

  • se-ver-ely: Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

    • se-: Pronounced like the "seh" in "set." (Short "e" sound)
    • ver-: This is the trickiest part. Pronounce it like "vur" – a very short "u" sound. It's not like the "verb" word.
    • -ely: This is pronounced like "uh-lee." (Almost like "uh-lee" with a slight emphasis on the "uh").

3. Putting it Together – Step-by-Step:

  1. "se": Say "seh."
  2. "ver": Say "vur." (Really short and quick!)
  3. "ely": Say "uh-lee."

4. Important Nuances & Tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable: se-ver-ely (vur!). Don't emphasize the first syllable.

  • Quickness: The “ver” syllable is very quick, almost a flash. It's often linked smoothly to the "-ely" syllable.

  • Don't say "sir"-er-ly: This is a common mistake. The vowel sound in "ver" is key.

  • Listen to Examples: The best way to truly get it right is to hear how native speakers pronounce it. Here are a few resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "severely" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/severely/ – This website provides audio pronunciations recorded by native speakers from various countries.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce severely" on YouTube. You'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English learner, or do you have some experience?
  • Are there any specific parts of the pronunciation that you find particularly challenging?

Usage and examples with the word severely in English

Let's break down how to use the word "severely" effectively in English. It's a powerful word that indicates a high degree of something, usually something negative.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Severely means "in a very bad way" or "to a great extent." It emphasizes the intensity of an effect or condition.

2. Common Usage – Adverb:

This is the most frequent way you'll see "severely" used. It modifies verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

  • Modifying Verbs: This is where it's most impactful.

    • “The patient was severely injured in the accident.” (The injury was very bad.)
    • “She was severely punished for her actions.” (The punishment was harsh.)
    • “The storm severely damaged the coastline.” (The damage was extensive.)

  • Modifying Adjectives:

    • "He's severely ill." (He's very sick.)
    • "The damage was severely underestimated.” (The damage was much greater than thought.)

  • Modifying Adverbs: (Less common, but can add emphasis)

    • “He spoke severely quietly.” (He spoke very quietly, almost silently.)

3. As an Adjective (Less Common):

“Severely” can sometimes be used as an adjective, but it's less common and often sounds a bit formal.

  • “He suffered severely from the flu.” (Meaning: He had a very bad case of the flu.) – You might also say “He suffered greatly from the flu” for a more natural feel.

4. Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Stronger than "seriously": "Severely" is generally stronger than "seriously." "Seriously" can mean "really" or "with great sincerity," while "severely" always implies a negative degree of intensity.

  • Medical Contexts: It’s frequently used in medical settings to describe the extent of an illness, injury, or condition. “The cut was severely bleeding.”

  • Formal Tone: "Severely" has a more formal feel than words like "badly" or "greatly." You’ll likely hear it more in writing (news reports, legal documents) or in more formal speech.

  • Don’t Overuse: While a powerful word, overuse of "severely" can make your writing sound overly dramatic. Choose it when you genuinely want to highlight the extreme nature of something.

5. Examples to Illustrate the Difference

Scenario Using "Seriously" Using "Severely"
Broken Arm "He’s seriously injured." "He was severely injured."
Feeling Tired "I’m seriously exhausted." “I feel severely drained.” (More impactful)
Weather Conditions “It was seriously windy.” “It was severely windy.” (Emphasizes the strength of the wind)

Resources for Further Learning

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, news report, email?)
  • Could you give me an example sentence where you're thinking of using "severely"?

Synonyms for the word severely

Practice with vocabulary severely

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The region's infrastructure was __________ damaged by the recent earthquake, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
  2. Without proper funding, the research project's scope will be __________ limited, hindering potential breakthroughs.
  3. Implementing the new cybersecurity protocols required the IT department to work __________ for several weeks.
  4. The company aims to __________ reduce its carbon footprint over the next five years through innovative green technologies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company's revenue was __________ affected by the unexpected market fluctuations, leading to a freeze in hiring. a) slightly b) moderately c) severely d) barely e) gravely

  2. Critics argued that the proposed legislation would __________ impact the rights of individual citizens. a) gently b) insignificantly c) harshly d) positively e) severely

  3. Due to the budget cuts, resources for the outreach program were __________ reduced, making it challenging to meet targets. a) mildly b) slightly c) severely d) partially e) subtly

  4. The recent policy change has __________ altered the competitive landscape of the industry. a) negligibly b) incrementally c) significantly d) barely e) minutely

  5. Project deadlines must be met __________ to ensure the timely launch of the new product line. a) loosely b) vaguely c) leniently d) strictly e) haphazardly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The lack of proper safety measures put the construction workers at great risk of injury. (Rewrite the sentence using "severely" or a related word form to describe the risk.)

  2. The university enforced very strict academic penalties for plagiarism. (Rewrite the sentence using "severely" or a related word form.)

  3. The company's new marketing campaign successfully increased brand awareness a great deal. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "a great deal" that is strong but do not use "severely" or its forms.)

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. severely
  2. severely
  3. meticulously
  4. drastically

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) severely, e) gravely
  2. c) harshly, e) severely
  3. c) severely
  4. c) significantly
  5. d) strictly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The lack of proper safety measures put the construction workers at severe risk of injury. (or: The construction workers were severely endangered by the lack of proper safety measures.)
  2. The university severely penalized students for plagiarism. (or: The university imposed severe academic penalties for plagiarism.)
  3. The company's new marketing campaign successfully dramatically increased brand awareness. (Other suitable words: considerably, remarkably, substantially)

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