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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.
Sever vs. Severe — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Sever and Severe

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj 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.

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