Dictionary    Maps    Thesaurus    Translate    Advanced >   


Tip: Click Thesaurus above for synonyms. Also, follow synonym links within the dictionary to find definitions from other sources.

1. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Severe \Se*vere"\, a. [Compar. Severer; superl. Severest.]
   [L. severus; perhaps akin to Gr. ??? awe, ??? revered, holy,
   solemn, Goth. swikns innocent, chaste: cf. F. s['e]v[`e]re.
   Cf. Asseverate, Persevere.]
   1. Serious in feeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not
      light, lively, or cheerful.
      [1913 Webster]

            Your looks alter, as your subject does,
            From kind to fierce, from wanton to severe.
                                                  --Waller.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh;
      not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism;
      severe punishment. "Custody severe." --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

            Come! you are too severe a moraler.   --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Let your zeal, if it must be expressed in anger, be
            always more severe against thyself than against
            others.                               --Jer. Taylor.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. 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. "Restrained by reason and
      severe principles." --Jer. Taylor.
      [1913 Webster]

            The Latin, a most severe and compendious language.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as,
      severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a
      severe test.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Strict; grave; austere; stern; morose; rigid; exact;
        rigorous; hard; rough; harsh; censorious; tart;
        acrimonious; sarcastic; satirical; cutting; biting;
        keen; bitter; cruel. See Strict.
        [1913 Webster] -- Se*vere"ly, adv. -- Se*vere"ness,
        n.
        [1913 Webster]

Common Misspellings >
Most Popular Searches: Define Misanthrope, Define Pulchritudinous, Define Happy, Define Veracity, Define Cornucopia, Define Almuerzo, Define Atresic, Define URL, Definitions Of Words, Definition Of Get Up, Definition Of Quid Pro Quo, Definition Of Irreconcilable Differences, Definition Of Word, Synonyms of Repetitive, Synonym Dictionary, Synonym Antonyms. See our main index and map index for more details.

©2011-2024 ZebraWords.com - Define Yourself - The Search for Meanings and Meaning Means I Mean. All content subject to terms and conditions as set out here. Contact Us, peruse our Privacy Policy