Really vs. Severely

Attribute	Really	Severely
Intensity	High	Extreme
Extent	To a great degree	To a very great degree
Impact	Significant	Devastating
Consequence	Important	Severe

Definition

Really and severely are both adverbs that are used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or another adverb. However, they have slightly different connotations and are used in different contexts. Really is often used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement, while severely is used to emphasize the seriousness or extent of something.

Usage

Really is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to express agreement or confirmation, as in "I really like that idea." It can also be used to express surprise or disbelief, as in "I really can't believe you did that." Severely, on the other hand, is typically used to describe negative situations or consequences. For example, "He was severely injured in the accident."

Intensity

One key difference between really and severely is the level of intensity they convey. Really is often used to express a high degree of something, but it is not as strong as severely. For example, "I really enjoyed the movie" implies a strong level of enjoyment, but "He was severely injured" implies a much more serious and extreme level of injury.

Emphasis

Another difference between really and severely is the emphasis they place on different aspects of a statement. Really is often used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement, while severely is used to emphasize the seriousness or extent of something. For example, "I really need to finish this project" emphasizes the importance of finishing the project, while "He was severely punished for his actions" emphasizes the severity of the punishment.

Impact

The impact of using really versus severely can also differ in terms of how the statement is perceived by others. Really is a more common and everyday word that is often used in casual conversation. It can be used to express a range of emotions and opinions without coming across as too strong or intense. Severely, on the other hand, is a more formal and serious word that is typically used in more serious or negative situations. Using severely can convey a sense of gravity and severity that really may not have.

Examples

• Really: "I really appreciate your help with this project."
• Really: "I really don't think that's a good idea."
• Severely: "The town was severely damaged by the hurricane."
• Severely: "She was severely ill and had to be hospitalized."

Conclusion

In conclusion, really and severely are both adverbs that are used to intensify the meaning of a statement, but they have different connotations and are used in different contexts. Really is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of situations to express agreement, confirmation, surprise, or disbelief. Severely, on the other hand, is typically used to describe negative situations or consequences and conveys a higher level of intensity and seriousness. Both words have their own unique impact and can be used effectively depending on the context and desired emphasis.