severely

Everyday

1. Very badly or seriously: The house was severely damaged. tree →
2. Strictly or harshly: He was severely punished. tree →
3. Plainly, without decoration: a severely plain dress. tree →

In the lessons

In news, safety and science: «severely injured», «severely flooded», «severe weather warning» — it means serious danger. In stories a strict teacher speaks severely. In maths, «sales fell severely» means a big drop. Phrases: «severely damaged», «severely injured», «severely punished», «severely limited».

Examples

• The storm severely damaged the roof. tree →
• He was severely injured in the crash. tree →
• The teacher looked at us severely. tree →
• Water is severely limited in the desert. tree →
• The crops were severely hit by drought. tree →
• Do not severely punish a puppy; teach it kindly. tree →
• The town was severely flooded. tree →
• The hawk fell heavily under a big stone, severely wounded in its right wing. tree →

Note

From «severe» + «-ly» (keep the e: severe-ly). Similar: badly, seriously, harshly, strictly. Opposite: mildly, slightly.