severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

SEVERE definition: harsh; unnecessarily extreme. See examples of severe used in a sentence.

severe adjective (VERY SERIOUS) Add to word list causing great pain, difficulty, damage, etc.; very serious: a severe earthquake

Severe implies adherence to rigorous standards or high principles and often suggests harshness: "Praise or blame has but a momentary effect on the man whose love of beauty in the abstract …

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English se‧vere /səˈvɪə $ -ˈvɪr/ S3 W3 adjective 1 very serious severe problems, injuries, illnesses etc are very bad or very serious His injuries …

simple, plain, or austere. causing discomfort or distress by extreme character or conditions, as weather, cold, or heat; unpleasantly violent, as rain or wind, or a blow or shock. difficult to …

Serious or earnest in feeling, manner, or appearance; without levity; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful. Very strict in judgment, discipline, or ac tion; not mild or indulgent; …