severest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "severest" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something as extreme or intense. Example sentence: The storm brought with it the severest winds we have experienced in years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fianna Fáil, Ireland and arguably Europe's most successful postwar party, expects to take one of the severest hits in its history.

The Guardian

Disk-drive and memory-chip makers, already suffering one of their severest price slumps ever, are bracing for more pain as Korean manufacturers dump inventory to raise cash.

The Economist

Given the selling power of aliens and chihuahuas, this could be the severest blow of all.

The Economist

Next week, he will visit Japan, where he will attend a luncheon given by the emperor, a rare honour considering that Japan became Pakistan's severest critic after it tested its nuclear bombs in May 1998.

The Economist

But with oil and gas prices at record levels, Mr Hu's expensive deal puts the extent to which CNOOC is really a commercially driven firm, with corporate governance able to protect all its shareholders from Chinese political pressure, to the severest of tests.

The Economist

His behaviour has put the entire tribunal indeed the very idea of international war-crimes trials to its severest test.In this section The lesson of Slobodan Milosevic's trial and tribulation Asking the unanswerable Reform provokes outrage Ever closer in all but name Outsiders aren't helping Back to bloodshed?

The Economist

Our tables show those countries applying the severest restrictions to HIV sufferers, including the denial of entry visas and even deportation.

The Economist

Patients with some of the severest symptoms suffer from low blood pressure and have difficulty regulating their heartbeat.

The Economist

But neither today's enlarged EU nor Europe's single currency has been through a really deep recession: European solidarity is facing its severest test.

The Economist

In short, all is still to play for in the second round (see article).In winning almost 26% of the vote in the first round, Ms Royal has done far better than her critics, the severest of whom are in her own Socialist Party, feared.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was hard enough for many on the Security Council to accept that the consequences should be "severest", rather than "very severe".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severest" when you want to emphasize the extreme or utmost degree of something, such as "the severest weather conditions" or "the severest penalties".

Common error

Avoid using "severest" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "worst" or "most extreme" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "severest" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate the highest degree of severity or intensity. Ludwig examples show its use in phrases like "the severest restrictions" and "the severest test". According to Ludwig AI, "severest" is grammatically correct and used to describe something as extreme or intense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severest" is the superlative form of "severe", used to denote the highest degree of intensity or extremity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for describing extreme situations. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, it's frequently used in formal contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedias, and academic writing to emphasize critical or impactful conditions. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual conversation; simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Use "severest" when precision and emphasis are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most extreme

Replaces "severest" with a more general term for extremity, suitable when specific nuance is not required.

most intense

Emphasizes the high degree of intensity, focusing on the strength or force of something.

most critical

Highlights the importance and potential danger of a situation.

most serious

Focuses on the gravity and potential consequences of a situation.

most acute

Suggests a sudden and severe onset of something, like pain or a crisis.

most drastic

Emphasizes the radical or forceful nature of an action or change.

most rigorous

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of a process or standard.

most stringent

Emphasizes the strictness and precision of a rule or regulation.

most harsh

Focuses on the unpleasant or cruel nature of a condition or treatment.

most difficult

Emphasizes the level of challenge and hardship involved.

FAQs

How to use "severest" in a sentence?

The adjective "severest" is used to describe the most extreme or intense form of something. For example: "The storm brought the "severest winds" in decades."

What can I say instead of "severest"?

You can use alternatives like "most extreme", "most intense", or "most critical" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "severe" or "severest"?

"Severe" is the base adjective, while "severest" is the superlative form, indicating the highest degree of severity. Use "severest" when comparing something to all others in its category, like "the "severest punishment" possible".

When is it appropriate to use the word "severest"?

Use "severest" in formal or serious contexts where you need to emphasize the utmost degree of something negative or impactful, like "the "severest recession" since the war".