severe
adj
(-r, -st)
1 ~ (on/with sb/sth) strict or harsh in attitude or treatment; imposing stern discipline 嚴格的; 嚴厲的; 苛刻的; 紀律嚴明的
a severe look, punishment, measure 嚴厲的樣子、 懲罰、 措施
a severe critic of modern drama 嚴厲批評現代戲劇的評論家
be severe with one's children 對子女很嚴
Was the judge too severe on the thief? 這個法官對小偷是不是太嚴厲了?
2 very bad, intense, difficult, etc 非常惡劣、 緊張、 困難等
a severe storm 猛烈的風暴
severe pain, injuries, etc 劇痛、 重傷
a severe attack of toothache 牙齒的劇痛
The drought is becoming increasingly severe. 旱災日趨嚴重.
3 demanding great skill, ability, patience, etc (對技巧、 能力、 耐心等)要求很高的
a severe test of climbers' stamina 對攀登者耐力的嚴峻考驗
severe competition for university places 考大學的激烈競爭
The pace of the race was too severe to be maintained for long. 比賽的速度極快, 很難持久.
4 (of style, appearance, clothing, etc) unadorned; simple (指風格、 外貌、 衣物等)無裝飾的, 簡單的, 樸素的
Her plain black dress was too severe for such a cheerful occasion. 她穿著黑色連衣裙, 在這種歡樂的場合未免太素了.