severely
gb/sɪvˈɪɹli/ us/sɪvˈɪɹli/
B1
English
~ 5000
súlyosan, komolyan, élesen, szigorúan, keményen
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] severely [verb] [something]
The building was severely damaged by the fire.
A tűz súlyosan megrongálta az épületet.
She was severely criticized for her handling of the project.
Élesen bírálták amiatt, ahogyan a projektet kezelte.
The country has been severely affected by the economic crisis.
He was severely punished for breaking the law.
The storm severely disrupted travel plans.
Learner examples
The car was severely damaged in the accident.
Az autó súlyosan megrongálódott a balesetben.
He was severely hurt during the game.
Súlyosan megsérült a meccs közben.
We were severely late because of traffic.
The shop was severely affected by the storm.
She was severely punished for cheating.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'severely' with 'seriously' or 'badly'. While they overlap, 'severely' often sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the extreme degree.
Meaning
To a very great degree
Collocations
severely injured
|severely damaged
|severely limited
|severely punished
|severely affected
Synonyms
extremely (More general and slightly less formal; can be used in a wider range of contexts.)
|
seriously (Often used when talking about bad or harmful effects, similar in tone.)
Antonyms
mildly (Indicates a small or gentle degree, the opposite of extreme.)
|
slightly (Refers to a small amount or low intensity.)
Themes
intensity
|evaluation
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very much; in a way that is serious or extreme.
To an extreme or serious extent.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] severely [verb] [someone]
The teacher spoke severely to the students who were cheating.
A tanár szigorúan rászólt a puskázó diákokra.
He was severely reprimanded for his misconduct.
Szigorúan megfeddték a helytelen viselkedése miatt.
They were severely disciplined for breaking the rules.
She looked at him severely before answering.
The coach treated the players severely during training.
Learner examples
The boss spoke severely to the worker.
A főnök szigorúan beszélt az alkalmazottal.
The teacher punished the students severely.
A tanár szigorúan megbüntette a diákokat.
He was severely told to stop talking.
She looked at me severely when I was late.
The guard treated us severely at the gate.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'seriously' meaning 'a lot'. In this sense, it refers to manner, not degree of damage or effect.
Meaning
In a strict or harsh way
Collocations
severely reprimanded
|severely disciplined
|severely warned
Synonyms
harshly (Emphasizes cruelty or unkindness in treatment.)
|
sternly (Implies seriousness and strictness, often without cruelty.)
Antonyms
leniently (Describes being gentle or not strict when strictness is expected.)
|
kindly (Indicates gentle, compassionate treatment.)
Themes
behavior
|discipline
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that is very strict or not kind.
In a way that is very strict, harsh, or demanding.
Grammar
Dictionary form
severely
IPA
GB/sɪvˈɪɹli/
US/sɪvˈɪɹli/
Syllables & stress
severely (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: severely
- Plural: severelies
Word family
Expressions
severely criticized
1/sɪvˈɪɹli kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪzd/
fixed phrase
Strongly disapproved of in speech or writing
Said many bad things about someone or something in a strong way.
Examples
- The government was severely criticized for its slow response.
- She was severely criticized by her peers.
severely damaged
1/sɪvˈɪɹli dˈæmɪd͡ʒd/
fixed phrase
Harmed or broken badly
Broken or harmed very badly.
Examples
- The roof was severely damaged by the storm.
- Her reputation was severely damaged after the scandal.
severely injured
1/sɪvˈɪɹli ˈɪnd͡ʒɚd/
fixed phrase
Badly hurt physically
Hurt very badly in the body.
Examples
- Two passengers were severely injured in the crash.
- He was severely injured during the match.
severely limited
1/sɪvˈɪɹli lˈɪmɪtɪd/
fixed phrase
Greatly restricted or reduced
Not having much of something; not able to do much because of limits.
Examples
- Our budget is severely limited this year.
- His ability to walk is severely limited after the accident.
severely punished
1/sɪvˈɪɹli pˈʌnɪʃt/
fixed phrase
Made to suffer serious consequences
Given a very strong punishment for doing something wrong.
Examples
- Students who cheat will be severely punished.
- The company was severely punished for breaking safety laws.