severely
gb/sɪvˈɪɹli/ us/sɪvˈɪɹli/
B1
Anglais
~ 5000
Sens
0 sens
adverb
B1
property
1
To a very great degree
Very much; in a way that is serious or extreme.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] severely [verb] [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'severely' with 'seriously' or 'badly'. While they overlap, 'severely' often sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the extreme degree.
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
mildly (Indicates a small or gentle degree, the opposite of extreme.)
|
slightly (Refers to a small amount or low intensity.)
Collocations
severely injured
|severely damaged
|severely limited
|severely punished
|severely affected
Thèmes
intensity
|evaluation
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The building was severely damaged by the fire.
- She was severely criticized for her handling of the project.
- The country has been severely affected by the economic crisis.
- He was severely punished for breaking the law.
- The storm severely disrupted travel plans.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The car was severely damaged in the accident.
- He was severely hurt during the game.
- We were severely late because of traffic.
- The shop was severely affected by the storm.
- She was severely punished for cheating.
adverb
B2
property
2
In a strict or harsh way
In a way that is very strict or not kind.
Schéma d’usage :
[someone] severely [verb] [someone]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse this with 'seriously' meaning 'a lot'. In this sense, it refers to manner, not degree of damage or effect.
Synonymes
harshly (Emphasizes cruelty or unkindness in treatment.)
|
sternly (Implies seriousness and strictness, often without cruelty.)
Antonymes
leniently (Describes being gentle or not strict when strictness is expected.)
|
kindly (Indicates gentle, compassionate treatment.)
Collocations
severely reprimanded
|severely disciplined
|severely warned
Thèmes
behavior
|discipline
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The teacher spoke severely to the students who were cheating.
- He was severely reprimanded for his misconduct.
- They were severely disciplined for breaking the rules.
- She looked at him severely before answering.
- The coach treated the players severely during training.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The boss spoke severely to the worker.
- The teacher punished the students severely.
- He was severely told to stop talking.
- She looked at me severely when I was late.
- The guard treated us severely at the gate.
Grammaire
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- Students who cheat will be severely punished.
- The company was severely punished for breaking safety laws.