severe

Where does the word "severe" come from? It comes from Latin severus, passing through Old French before entering English (1540s).

Severe’s story begins in Latin: severus meant “strict, serious.” Possibly from 'se-', without, and 'verus', kind. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as severe. Latin 'severus' meant serious, grave or austere, and its origin is uncertain. It reached English by 1540s as severe. 'severe weather' dates from the 1600s. Today, severe means very great or intense; strict.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient severus "strict, serious", possibly from 'se-', without, and 'verus', kind.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval severe "strict", Latin 'severus' meant serious, grave or austere, and its origin is uncertain.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1540s severe "strict", 'severe weather' dates from the 1600s.