Etymology Map
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Severe

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means very great or intense; strict

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

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

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.