a few : ‘He was here just a few minutes ago so he can’t be far away.’ severe 1
My parents weren’t at all severe with me . In fact, I was allowed to do what
I
liked.
My parents weren’t at all strict with me. In fact, I was allowed to do what I liked. severe = not kind or friendly; showing no humour or sympathy: ‘Mr. Cameron’s angry voice and severe expression used to frighten the children .’ strict = demanding that rules or laws are always obeyed: ‘Teachers have to be strict or the children take advantage of them.’ ‘The company is very strict about employees getting to work on time.’ 2
There are severe rules as to what you can wear to school.
There are strict rules as to what you can wear to school. When severe refers to punishment, criticism, damage etc, it means ‘harsh’: ‘Driving while drunk could endanger other people’s lives, so penalties are severe.’ ‘This non-intervention policy has attracted severe criticism.’ To describe a rule or law that must always be obeyed, use strict : ‘The deer and other animals in the park are protected by strict laws.’ shade I thought I saw someone’s shade go past the window.
I thought I saw someone’s shadow go past the window. See Note at SHADOW shadow I sat down in the shadow of a huge eucalyptus tree.
I sat down in the shade of a huge eucalyptus tree. shade = sheltered from the sun: ‘It’s too hot here. Let’s go and find some shade.’ ‘The branches provided plenty of shade.’ shadow = a dark shape that you see on a wall or surface when a light shines behind someone or something: ‘The setting sun cast long shadows down the beach.’
