- very badly or seriously
- severely injured
- areas severely affected by unemployment
- The crops were severely damaged.
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- in an extreme or strict way synonym harshly (1)
- Anyone breaking the law will be severely punished.
- a severely critical report
- Access to this information is severely restricted.
- in a way that is not kind and does not show sympathy or approval synonym sternly
- He looked severely at me.
- in a way that is extremely difficult and requires a lot of skill or ability
- Her patience was being severely tested.
- (disapproving) in an extremely plain style that lacks any decoration
- Her hair was tied severely in a bun.
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severely