Sever vs. Severe — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Sever involves cutting or separating, typically referring to ties or connections, whereas severe describes intensity or harshness, often used for conditions or judgments.
Difference Between Sever and Severe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sever typically refers to the act of cutting off or apart, often used in the context of ending relationships or physically separating parts. Whereas, severe is an adjective that describes the gravity or intensity of a situation, condition, or behavior, suggesting an extreme level.
In contexts involving relationships or agreements, to sever means to formally end or discontinue, such as severing diplomatic ties or a business partnership. On the other hand, severe can characterize the seriousness of breaches or disagreements within those relationships, indicating harsh consequences or strict attitudes.
When discussing physical objects, sever can mean the physical cutting or breaking of something, like severing a cable or a limb. In contrast, severe might describe the condition of an object, such as severe damage or wear, implying substantial deterioration or impact.
In medical terminology, sever is used to describe the action of surgically removing or amputating a part of the body. Whereas, severe is used to qualify medical conditions or symptoms, such as severe pain or severe depression, highlighting their acute and intense nature.
In legal contexts, to sever a charge or a defendant means to separate that charge or defendant from others in a trial for various procedural reasons. Severe, however, might be used to describe the strictness or harshness of a legal judgment, indicating a high level of seriousness or rigidity in application.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To cut off or apart
Extremely serious or harsh
Usage in Context
End relationships, physically separate parts
Describe intensity, harshness
Common in
Legal, medical, relational contexts
Medical, environmental, behavioral contexts
Example Objects
Ties, connections, parts
Conditions, damages, judgments
Outcome
Disconnection or removal
Serious impact or condition
Compare with Definitions
Sever
To end a connection or relationship abruptly.
The company decided to sever ties with its overseas partner.
Severe
Seriously damaging or dangerous.
The accident caused severe injuries to the driver.
Sever
To make a clear separation or distinction.
The author attempts to sever fact from fiction in his latest work.
Severe
Strict or harsh in discipline or judgment.
The teacher was known for her severe grading policies.
Sever
To cut off something from a whole.
He used an axe to sever the tree branch.
Severe
Very great; intense.
The region experienced severe weather conditions last night.
Sever
To divide into parts legally or by a decision.
The court decided to sever the charges against the co-defendants.
Severe
(of a condition or a person) Demanding great ability, skill, or resilience.
The severe test challenged all the participants.
Sever
To remove by cutting or similar process.
The surgeon had to sever the damaged tissue during the operation.
Severe
Harsh; unnecessarily extreme.
The critic’s severe judgment of the film surprised everyone.
Sever
Divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly
The head was severed from the body
Severe
(of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense
A severe shortage of technicians
A severe attack of asthma
The damage is not too severe
Sever
To cut off (a part) from a whole
Severed the branch from the tree.
Severe
(of punishment of a person) strict or harsh
The charges would have warranted a severe sentence
Sever
To divide into parts; break or interrupt
Sever a cord.
Severed the army's supply lines.
Severe
Very plain in style or appearance
She wore another severe suit, grey this time
Sever
To break up (a relationship, for example); dissolve.
Severe
Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others
A severe critic.
Sever
(transitive) To cut free.
After he graduated, he severed all links to his family.
To sever the head from the body
Severe
Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles
A severe code of behavior.
Sever
(intransitive) To suffer disjunction; to be parted or separated.
Severe
Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance
Spoke in a severe voice.
Sever
(intransitive) To make a separation or distinction; to distinguish.
Severe
Extremely plain in substance or style
A severe black dress.
Sever
(law) To disconnect; to disunite; to terminate.
Severe
Causing great discomfort, damage, or distress
A severe pain.
A severe storm.
Sever
To separate, as one from another; to cut off from something; to divide; to part in any way, especially by violence, as by cutting, rending, etc.; as, to sever the head from the body.
The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.
Severe
Very dangerous or harmful; grave or grievous
Severe mental illness.
Sever
To cut or break open or apart; to divide into parts; to cut through; to disjoin; as, to sever the arm or leg.
Our state can not be severed; we are one.
Severe
Extremely difficult to perform or endure; trying
A severe test of our loyalty.
Sever
To keep distinct or apart; to except; to exempt.
I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there.
Severe
Very bad or intense.
Sever
To disunite; to disconnect; to terminate; as, to sever an estate in joint tenancy.
Severe
Strict or harsh.
A severe taskmaster
Sever
To suffer disjunction; to be parted, or rent asunder; to be separated; to part; to separate.
Severe
Sober, plain in appearance, austere.
A severe old maiden aunt
Severe clothing
Sever
To make a separation or distinction; to distinguish.
The Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt.
They claimed the right of severing in their challenge.
Severe
Serious in feeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful.
Your looks alter, as your subject does,From kind to fierce, from wanton to severe.
Sever
Set or keep apart;
Sever a relationship
Severe
Very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment.
Come! you are too severe a moraler.
Let your zeal, if it must be expressed in anger, be always more severe against thyself than against others.
Sever
Cut off from a whole;
His head was severed from his body
The soul discerped from the body
Severe
Rigidly methodical, or adherent to rule or principle; exactly conformed to a standard; not allowing or employing unneccessary ornament, amplification, etc.; strict; - said of style, argument, etc.
The Latin, a most severe and compendious language.
Severe
Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.
Severe
Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test.
Severe
Very strong or vigorous;
Strong winds
A hard left to the chin
A knockout punch
A severe blow
Severe
Severely simple;
A stark interior
Severe
Unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment;
A parent severe to the pitch of hostility
A hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
A strict disciplinarian
A Spartan upbringing
Severe
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm;
A dangerous operation
A grave situation
A grave illness
Grievous bodily harm
A serious wound
A serious turn of events
A severe case of pneumonia
A life-threatening disease
Severe
Very bad in degree or extent;
A severe worldwide depression
The house suffered severe damage
Common Curiosities
What types of situations are described as severe?
Situations that are extremely harsh, serious, or intense, such as severe weather, severe pain, or severe economic conditions.
Is severe always negative?
Typically, severe has a negative connotation, implying harshness or extreme conditions, although it can be neutral when describing strictness or austerity in behavior.
Can sever be used metaphorically?
Yes, sever can be used metaphorically to describe ending relationships or abstract connections.
How do sever and severe differ in legal contexts?
Sever in legal terms involves separating charges or cases, whereas severe describes the strictness of legal judgments.
What is a severe illness?
A severe illness is one that is very serious, often causing intense symptoms and significant disruption to normal functioning.
Are severe measures always justified?
Whether severe measures are justified depends on the context and the severity of the situation they address.
What does it mean to sever something?
To sever something means to cut it off or completely separate it from something else.
Can the consequences of severing be severe?
Yes, the consequences of severing, such as ending a relationship or cutting off a part, can be severe, impacting all involved parties deeply.
What does it mean to sever ties with someone?
It means to end a relationship or connection with someone, typically abruptly and completely.
How do sever and severe relate to physical harm?
Sever can directly cause physical harm by cutting or removing parts, whereas severe describes the extent of harm or damage.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
