Sever in simple terms is ‘to cut free’.
Sever is used to depict any situation where one needs to show something that is being cut off or divided into parts. Like in the image above, severed ties between family members are shown. And in the image, a severed chain is depicted.
The dictionary definitions for sever are as follows:
1. To separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like. (verb)
2. To divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave. (verb)
3. To break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.). (verb)
4. Law: to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of astatute, etc.). (verb)
5. To distinguish; discriminate between. (verb)
Masters Tip to remember Sever: Sever and Severe
These two words are almost the same. Almost: the only difference is of a single letter ‘e’. But their meanings vary vastly. We have seen the meaning of the word sever above. Now lets us have a look at severe. Severe is an adjective and means ‘Intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality’.
So, if we go by usage, we would have something like this: Severed family ties can have severe outcomes for the generations to come. (the word severed is the adjective form of severe.)
Usage Examples for Sever:
A couple of quotes to help you with the usage of sever:
1. “Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. “Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.” – Bhagavad Gita
