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.
双语例句
1. The new drug lessens the severity of pneumonia episodes.
新药减轻了肺炎发作时的痛苦。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The Bishop said he was sickened by the severity of the sentence.
主教说他对如此重的量刑大为震惊。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Several drugs are used to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
使用了几种药来减轻症状。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The drug can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
这种药能降低发病次数和严重程度.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. With all the outward severity he is kind at heart.
