| (superl.) | Serious in feeeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful. |
| (superl.) | Very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment. |
| (superl.) | Rigidly methodical, or adherent to rule or principle; exactly conformed to a standard; not allowing or employing unneccessary ornament, amplification, etc.; strict; -- said of style, argument, etc. |
| (superl.) | Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold. |
| (superl.) | Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test. |