What does severely mean?
Severely is an adverb meaning to an extreme or unusually great degree. It is especially common when describing serious harm, damage, illness, disruption, or criticism: a town may be severely affected by a disaster, an injured person may be severely ill, or a decision may be severely criticised. The word can also convey harshness, as in severely punished or severely criticised, although in such contexts it may sound formal or institutional. Because it adds emphasis to the quality of an action or condition, severely is often associated with consequences that are substantial rather than minor. It appears frequently in journalism, official reports, legal language, and academic discussion. In less formal writing, extremely or badly may sometimes provide a more conversational alternative, though they do not always carry the same implication of gravity.
adverbTo a severe or extreme extent; in a way characterized by great intensity, harshness, or seriousness.
- To a great or extreme degree, especially of harm, damage, impact, or disruption.
- In a harsh, severe, or unkind manner.
- In a serious or acute way, especially of illness or economic conditions.
"The storm severely disrupted transportation across the region."
"Several homes were severely damaged during the earthquake."
"The judge severely criticised the conduct of the officials."
One carefully placed adverb can turn a mild inconvenience into a major emergency: a road may be damaged, but a road severely damaged can be impassable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does severely come from?
Severely was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to severe. Severe itself comes through Old French from Latin severus, meaning strict, serious, or stern. The Latin noun severitas, meaning strictness or seriousness, likewise underlies the related English noun severity.
Related word forms
How severely is actually used
Generally formal and often used in reports, legal or institutional contexts, and news writing. It emphasizes intensity and can describe physical damage, illness, criticism, punishment, or disruption.
Easily confused with severely
Serious can mean important or grave without necessarily indicating an extreme degree, whereas severely explicitly describes an intense or extreme extent.