online vocabulary.com

Severity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Severity refers to the degree or intensity of something, often used to describe how serious, harsh, or extreme a situation, condition, or problem is. It emphasizes the gravity of an issue.

severity

/səˈvɛrəti/ /sɪˈvɛrɪti/

Definition:

The degree or intensity of something, often referring to harshness, seriousness, or strictness.

Synonyms:

harshness, seriousness, intensity, rigor, strictness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

mildness, leniency

Common Collocations:

severity of symptoms, severity of punishment, severity of weather

Derivatives:

severe, severely

Usage Tips:

Use "severity" to describe the extent or seriousness of a condition, situation, or judgment.

Common Phrases:

severity of the storm, judge with severity, severity of the pain

Etymology:

From Latin "severitas," meaning strictness or seriousness; related to "severe."

Examples:

  • 1. The doctor assessed the severity of her illness.
  • 2. The storm's severity caused widespread damage.
  • 3. He spoke with unexpected severity about the rules.
  • 4. The teacher graded the papers with great severity.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS