severely
UK: sɪˈvɪəli | US: sɪˈvɪrli
adv. to a great or intense degree; harshly
adv. in a strict or stern manner
adv. (of illness or injury) in a way that causes serious harm or distress
The word "severely" derives from the Latin severus (meaning "strict, serious, or harsh"), which entered Middle English via Old French severe. The suffix "-ly" is an Old English adverbial marker, turning adjectives into adverbs. The combination reflects a logical progression from the root meaning of "harshness" to the adverbial form describing the manner of an action. Historically, "severe" was used in contexts of discipline or weather, later extending to medical and abstract severity.
The teacher criticized the student severely for cheating.
The region was severely affected by the drought.
He punished himself severely for the mistake.
Her illness progressed severely despite treatment.
The law deals severely with repeat offenders.