severe
Easy difficulty
What does “severe” mean?
(of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense.
SAT Usage
this word typically appears in passages discussing challenges, crises, or intense emotions, often emphasizing the gravity of a situation. It implies a sense of urgency and seriousness that goes beyond mere difficulty, distinguishing it from words like "harsh," which can suggest a lack of compassion rather than the intensity of the negative experience.
Common Confusions
Severe implies a high degree of intensity and seriousness in a situation, while harsh usually suggests a lack of compassion or kindness, focusing more on the unpleasantness rather than the severity of the experience.
Do not choose severe if the context emphasizes mildness or gentleness rather than very great or intense.
Example Sentences
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The storm caused severe damage along the entire coast.