severe

What does “severe” mean?

noun.(of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense.

SAT Usage

this word typically appears in passages discussing challenges, crises, or intense emotions, often emphasizing the gravity of a situation. It implies a sense of urgency and seriousness that goes beyond mere difficulty, distinguishing it from words like "harsh," which can suggest a lack of compassion rather than the intensity of the negative experience.

Common Confusions

Severe implies a high degree of intensity and seriousness in a situation, while harsh usually suggests a lack of compassion or kindness, focusing more on the unpleasantness rather than the severity of the experience.

Example Sentences

• The storm caused severe damage along the entire coast.

• The severe storm caused widespread damage, uprooting trees and leaving thousands without power for days.

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