Severely vs. Very

Attribute	Severely	Very
Intensity	Extreme	High
Extent	Significantly	Considerably
Impact	Severe	Strong
Level	Extreme	High

Definition

Severely and very 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.

Intensity

When it comes to intensity, "severely" is generally considered to be stronger than "very." For example, if someone is severely injured, it implies a more serious and critical condition compared to someone who is very injured. The word "severely" is often used to describe extreme situations or conditions.

Usage

While "very" is a more common and versatile adverb that can be used in a wide range of contexts, "severely" is more specific and tends to be used in more serious or negative situations. For instance, you might say that you are very tired after a long day at work, but you would use "severely" to describe a more serious issue like a severely damaged car.

Impact

The impact of using "severely" versus "very" can also differ in terms of how the listener or reader perceives the situation. When someone says they are very happy, it conveys a strong sense of joy. However, if they say they are severely depressed, it indicates a much more severe and concerning emotional state.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "severely" and "very":

• She was very upset about losing her job.
• He was severely injured in the car accident.
• The weather was very hot that day.
• The drought severely impacted the crops.

Emphasis

Another key difference between "severely" and "very" is the emphasis they place on the adjective or adverb they are modifying. "Severely" tends to draw more attention to the severity or seriousness of the situation, while "very" is more neutral and simply adds emphasis without necessarily implying extreme conditions.

Context

It's important to consider the context in which you are using "severely" or "very" to ensure that you are conveying the right level of intensity or severity. Using "severely" in a situation that doesn't warrant such extreme language can come across as melodramatic, while using "very" in a situation that requires a stronger emphasis may not effectively convey the seriousness of the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "severely" and "very" are adverbs used to intensify the meaning of other words, they have distinct differences in terms of intensity, usage, impact, emphasis, and context. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word to accurately convey the level of severity or intensity you intend to communicate.