having a stern expression or character; austere
rigorous in judgment, requirements, or punishment; stringent
strongly critical or condemnatory; censorious
sober or restrained in decoration or manner; plain
marked by harsh or extreme conditions
severe winters
requiring much effort; arduous
a severe test
having a powerful and dangerous effect; serious; grave
severe depression
severely adv
severity /siʹveriti/ noun
[French sévère from Latin severus grave, serious, strict]