来自拉丁语 severus,严重的，严厉的，困难的，可能异化自拉丁语 serius,重的，词源同 serious. 引申诸相关词义。

1. We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.

我们正在经历现代最严重的一段经济衰退。

2. I got a severe telling off for not phoning him.

我因为没给他打电话，被狠狠训斥了一顿。

3. She had quite severe bruising and a cut lip.

她身上有严重的淤伤，嘴唇也破了。

4. In severe cases, the skin can crack and weep.

在恶劣的条件下，皮肤可能会开裂并流脓。

5. She continued to have severe stomach cramps, aches, fatigue, and depression.

她仍然患有严重的胃痉挛，感觉疼痛、疲乏、抑郁。