adverb
severely
adverb
1
In a harsh, extreme, or intense way.
"The company was severely criticized for its handling of the recall."
"The building was severely damaged in the earthquake."
How to Use Severely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo an extreme or harsh degree.
Common pairings
severely damaged
severely limited
punished severely
Word Forms
more severely comparative, most severely superlative
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The company was _____ criticized for its handling of the recall.
Etymology
From severe + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.