late 15c., "austerity or strictness of life," from Middle French severite, from Latin severitas "seriousness, strictness, sternness," from severus "stern, strict, serious," of uncertain origin. Possibly from PIE root *segh- "to have, hold" (see scheme (n.)), or possibly from *se vero "without kindness," from se "without" (see secret) + *vero "kindness," neuter ablative of verus "true" (see very). Meaning "strictness in dealing with others" is recorded from 1520s.
雙語例句
1. The new drug lessens the severity of pneumonia episodes.
新藥減輕了肺炎發作時的痛苦。
來自柯林斯例句
2. The Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence.
主教說他對如此重的量刑大為震驚。
來自柯林斯例句
3. Several drugs are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
使用了幾種藥來減輕癥狀。
來自柯林斯例句
4. The drug can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
這種藥能降低發病次數和嚴重程度.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. With all the outward severity he is kind at heart.