Pronunciation: /ˈsɛvərəns/

Definitions of severance

noun a sum of money paid to an employee upon termination of employment

Example Sentences

A1 I received a severance package after being laid off from my job.

A2 The company offered me severance pay when they terminated my employment.

B1 She negotiated a higher severance package before leaving the company.

B2 The severance agreement included a non-compete clause to prevent me from working for a competitor.

C1 The severance agreement outlined the terms of my departure from the company in detail.

C2 His severance package was quite generous, allowing him to take time off before finding a new job.

Examples of severance in a Sentence

formal The company provided a generous severance package to the laid-off employees.

informal After getting fired, he received a nice severance payment.

slang I heard she got a fat severance check when she got let go.

figurative The severance of ties between the two business partners was inevitable.

Grammatical Forms of severance

past tense

severed

plural

severances

comparative

more severe

superlative

most severe

present tense

severs

future tense

will sever

perfect tense

have severed

continuous tense

is severing

singular

severance

positive degree

severe

infinitive

to sever

gerund

severing

participle

severed

Origin and Evolution of severance

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'severance' originated from Old French 'sevrance' which came from Latin 'separationem' meaning a cutting off.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'severance' has evolved to not only mean a cutting off or separation but also refers to the act of ending a relationship, especially in terms of employment, and the compensation or benefits provided upon such termination.