severe的基本意思是“严厉的”,指完全没有松弛、轻浮、柔软可言,可形容人及其面容、行为、思想、言论,也可形容与人有关的事物,如作风、法律、刑罚等,偶尔也可形容天气,指气候恶劣、严寒。

用作定语
▲～+n.
 There is a severe shortage of fuel.燃料严重短缺。
The general had a severe manner.那位将军态度严肃。
This troop has severe military rules.这支部队有严格的军纪。
This is a severe test.这是一次严峻的考验。
When the earthquake came, the house had a severe quake.地震到来时,房子一阵剧烈颤动。
Severe weather conditions hinders the rescue.恶劣的气候条件阻碍着救援人员的工作。
She is wearing a severe dress.她穿着一条朴素的裙子。
用作表语
▲S+be+～
 Competition for the job is very severe.这份工作的竞争是很激烈的。
▲S+be+～+prep.-phrase
 Was his mother too severe on him?她的母亲是不是对他太严厉了?
We must be severe with ourselves and lenient with others.我们必须严于律己宽以待人。
That dress looks too severe on you.那衣服穿在你身上太朴素了。
▲S+be+～+to-v
The pace was too severe to be kept up for long.跟上这步伐太难了,无法持久。

severe, serious
参见serious条。
severe, stern, strict
参见strict条。

［同义词］   firm, stern, strict
［反义词］   tender
［词源］＜拉丁语severus(彼此不友好,严重)