a.

1. 严重的；剧烈的；凛冽的
   He has been under a severe strain.

   他一直处在极度紧张状态之中。

2. 严厉的；苛刻的[（+with/on/upon）]
   My uncle became severe when I was late.

   当我迟到时，我的叔父变得严厉起来。

3. 严格的；严密的
   I was impressed by his severe reasoning.

   他严谨的推理给我留下了深刻的印象。

4. 严峻的；艰难的；激烈的
   We are suffering from a severe shortage of fuel.

   我们苦于严重缺乏燃料。

5. 严肃的，正经的
   He spoke in a severe voice.

   他严肃地说。

6. 纯洁的；朴素的
   She wore a severe black dress.

   她穿一件朴素的黑衣裙。

adj.

1. (of something bad, undesirable, or difficult) very great; intense.
2. strict or harsh.
3. very plain in style or appearance.