emotionally severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emotionally severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that has a significant emotional impact or intensity. Example: "The news of her passing was emotionally severe, leaving everyone in shock and grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Working in unreceptive times has made Bread and Puppet's art tough even when sweet; emotionally severe even at its most beautiful.

The New York Times

(This season we even see the child version of Ben Linus, onetime leader of the island Others and a chief force of manipulative malevolence, struggling with an emotionally severe patriarch).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This month, Law turns the interesting age of 40, and in his most recent film, an adaptation of "Anna Karenina" directed by Joe Wright, he plays Karenin, Anna's morally severe, emotionally barren, piously dutiful, highly controlling pain in the neck of a husband — all Old Testament, no sex appeal.

The New York Times

It's physically severe and emotionally brutal, and Chris submits to it unquestioningly and endures its rigors triumphantly — until he gets to the shooting range.

The New Yorker

When asked by a single question, 56% of the Kawasaki disease patient cohort were reported to be experiencing minor to severe difficulties: emotionally, behaviourally or socially.

BMC Pediatrics

Indeed, when one's memory of an emotionally painful experience leads to severe anxiety, forgetting may produce relief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Accutane, which since its introduction in 1982 has been prescribed for 12 million people worldwide, including 5 million Americans, is the only truly effective treatment for clearing up stubborn cases of severe acne, the emotionally debilitating kind that causes a rash of pus-filled lesions and leaves behind pitted scars.

The New York Times - Health

I had psychiatry and psychological assessments and I have now been diagnosed with severe depression and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.

Huffington Post

Facilitated communication – a method by which a facilitator physically and emotionally supports a person with severe communication needs as they type on a keyboard or letter board – received wide attention in the media and in the field.

Wikipedia

The patient should not have significant cognitive dysfunction, and should be emotionally stable with no active severe psychiatric symptoms.

Annals of Neurology

This means there were also parents who acknowledged they rationally knew that a higher temperature did not indicate a more severe illness, but emotionally their anxiety increased when the body temperature increased.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "emotionally severe", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the intensity of the emotion, the difficulty of the situation, or the lasting impact? Choose synonyms or related phrases to fine-tune your meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "emotionally severe" in everyday, lighthearted situations. This phrase carries a significant weight and is best reserved for situations of genuine emotional distress or gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally severe" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the intensity or impact of an emotional experience or the emotional state of an individual. Ludwig AI provides examples in contexts ranging from personal experiences to character portrayals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotionally severe" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe situations or individuals marked by intense or difficult emotional experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and scientific publications. While not extremely common, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts when you want to emphasize the profound impact or intensity of emotions. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "emotionally intense" or "profoundly emotional" may offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally intense

Highlights the strength and depth of the emotions involved.

intensely emotional

Focuses on the high degree of emotionality present, rather than its harshness or difficulty.

profoundly emotional

Emphasizes the deep and significant impact on one's emotions.

deeply affected

Indicates a significant emotional impact, focusing on the lasting effect.

emotionally taxing

Shifts the focus to the demanding and draining nature of the emotional experience.

emotionally draining

Emphasizes the exhausting effect on one's emotional reserves.

emotionally challenging

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of dealing with the emotions.

emotionally fraught

Suggests a situation filled with emotional tension and difficulty.

emotionally crippling

Focuses on the debilitating effect of the emotional experience.

harshly emotional

Highlights the extreme nature and roughness of emotions.

FAQs

How can "emotionally severe" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "emotionally severe" describes situations or people marked by intense emotional experiences, difficulty, or detachment. For example, "The trauma left him "emotionally severe", unable to connect with others."

What are some alternatives to "emotionally severe"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "emotionally intense", "profoundly emotional", or "emotionally draining".

Is "emotionally severe" the same as "emotionally disturbed"?

No, "emotionally severe" describes the intensity of emotions or emotional impact, while "emotionally disturbed" is a clinical term referring to a condition affecting a person's ability to regulate their emotions and behavior.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "emotionally severe"?

The phrase "emotionally severe" is appropriate in contexts involving trauma, loss, or significant emotional challenges where the emotional impact is profound and potentially long-lasting.