Word
severely
Phoneticsse·vere·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈvɪɹɫi/
UK/sɪvˈiəli/
日本語ひどく※
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a very serious or extreme way. You use this to describe how someone is hurt or how strictly a rule is followed.
adv. to an intense or extreme degree, often with negative consequences. Frequently used to modify verbs related to damage, punishment, or restriction.
Examples
“The storm severely damaged the old bridge.”
“The local government severely restricted water usage during the hottest months of the summer drought.”
“The economic downturn severely impacted small businesses, forcing many to close their doors permanently despite receiving government assistance.”
Examples
simple
“The storm severely damaged the old bridge.”
contextual
“The local government severely restricted water usage during the hottest months of the summer drought.”
complex
“The economic downturn severely impacted small businesses, forcing many to close their doors permanently despite receiving government assistance.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “severely” in context.
Verb
01. severely affect
“The ongoing drought will severely affect the country's agricultural production this year.”
adv + verb
02. severely limit
“The new regulations could severely limit the company's ability to expand internationally.”
adv + verb
03. severely damaged
04. severely response
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
The car was severe damaged
The car was severely damaged
Learners often use the adjective 'severe' instead of the adverb 'severely' to modify a verb or participle.
Real-World Examples
“That's not surprising as the sibling relationship was severely damaged.” “England’s warning system has been severely tested this summer – a season that is normally fast drawing to a close once it is mid-August.” Etymology
From severe + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/severely
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0