severity
[suh-ver-i-tee]
- harshness, sternness, or rigor: Their lives were marked by severity.
- austere simplicity, as of style, manner, or taste: The severity of the decor was striking.
- intensity or sharpness, as of cold or pain.
- grievousness; hard or trying character or effect: The severity of his loss was finally becoming apparent.
- rigid exactness or accuracy.
- an instance of strict or severe behavior, punishment, etc.
Show More
Origin of severity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
harshnessstrictnesssternnesssharpnesscrueltyacerbityrigorausteritygrimnesshardnessunkindnessExamples from the Web for severities
Historical Examples
When I spoke of its severities, she said for us to observe her directions, and we should not suffer.
Mizora: A ProphecyMary E. Bradley
For accounts of French severities, see articles just quoted.
The New World of IslamLothrop Stoddard
During the thirteenth century the severities against the usurers were not relaxed.
UsuryCalvin Elliott
What severities of hardship were endured by our traveller may be judged from his description.
The Great CompanyBeckles Willson
Some times I could obtain a little conversation, notwithstanding their severities.
Of the Capture of TiconderogaEthan Allen
Word Origin and History for severities
severity
n.
late 15c., "austerity or strictness of life," from Middle French severite, from Latin severitas "seriousness, strictness, sternness," from severus "stern, strict, serious," of uncertain origin. Possibly from PIE root *segh- "to have, hold" (see scheme (n.)), or possibly from *se vero "without kindness," from se "without" (see secret) + *vero "kindness," neuter ablative of verus "true" (see very). Meaning "strictness in dealing with others" is recorded from 1520s.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper