severely

The word "severely" usually describes something that happens to a very serious or extreme degree. It often appears when the result is strong and negative. If a person's mobility is severely restricted, they are not just slowing down a little; they are facing a major limitation. If a building is severely damaged, the damage is heavy and important, not minor.

The word is not only about physical damage. You can be severely criticized for a mistake, meaning the criticism is very harsh. A drought might severely affect crops, causing serious losses. Someone could also react severely to an allergen, with a dangerous response even to a small amount. In these cases, the word points to the strength of the effect.

It is often used with injuries, illness, weather, shortages, limits, and punishments. It can also keep its older sense of strictness or harshness. A judge might punish someone severely, or a teacher might speak severely to a student. In those examples, the idea is not only degree but also sternness.

So, when you see severely, think of something that is very serious, very strong, or harsh in effect. It usually tells you that the situation is far from mild and that the consequences are important.