severe
/sɪˈvɪə(r); sə`vɪr/ adj
(-r, -st)
1 ~ (on/with sb/sth) strict or harsh in attitude or treatment; imposing stern discipline 严格的; 严厉的; 苛刻的; 纪律严明的
a severe look, punishment, measure 严厉的样子、 惩罚、 措施
a severe critic of modern drama 严厉批评现代戏剧的评论家
be severe with one's children 对子女很严
Was the judge too severe on the thief? 这个法官对小偷是不是太严厉了?
2 very bad, intense, difficult, etc 非常恶劣、 紧张、 困难等
a severe storm 猛烈的风暴
severe pain, injuries, etc 剧痛、 重伤
a severe attack of toothache 牙齿的剧痛
The drought is becoming increasingly severe. 旱灾日趋严重.
3 demanding great skill, ability, patience, etc （对技巧、 能力、 耐心等）要求很高的
a severe test of climbers' stamina 对攀登者耐力的严峻考验
severe competition for university places 考大学的激烈竞争
The pace of the race was too severe to be maintained for long. 比赛的速度极快, 很难持久.
4 (of style, appearance, clothing, etc) unadorned; simple （指风格、 外貌、 衣物等）无装饰的, 简单的, 朴素的
Her plain black dress was too severe for such a cheerful occasion. 她穿著黑色连衣裙, 在这种欢乐的场合未免太素了.