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View synonyms for severity

severity

[ suh-ver-i-tee ]

noun

, plural se·ver·i·ties.
  1. harshness, sternness, or rigor:

    Their lives were marked by severity.

  2. austere simplicity, as of style, manner, or taste:

    The severity of the decor was striking.

  3. intensity or sharpness, as of cold or pain.
  4. grievousness; hard or trying character or effect:

    The severity of his loss was finally becoming apparent.

  5. rigid exactness or accuracy.
  6. an instance of strict or severe behavior, punishment, etc.


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Other Words From

  • nonse·veri·ty noun plural nonseverities
  • over·se·veri·ty noun
  • super·se·veri·ty noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of severity1

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin sevēritās, from sevēr(us) severe + -itās -ity
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Example Sentences

They controlled for a number of other factors that could plausibly influence severity, including population density, age, education and poverty.

In the weeks since the insurrection, it’s been hard to measure the severity of the damage done to our country.

Our friends try to give her advice and she takes it in the moment, recognizing the severity of the situation.

So far there is limited evidence of changes in disease severity from these variants.

The scientific community has not produced evidence that the South Africa or Brazil variants cause a different level of disease severity.

In reality,” Francis said, “theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity.

Within these forms, the severity of depression can vary over time.

We did so because we understood the severity of those threats.

McDonald attempts to impart on him the severity of the consequences he will face should he find himself back in this courtroom.

The scope—and severity—of their alleged crimes is astounding, as well.

Carelessness in worming was an unpardonable offence in the days of slavery, and was frequently punished with great severity.

He was tutor to lady Jane Grey, and more noted for his severity against the Puritans than for his learning.

All the three children were treated with very great severity, which was not unusual at that time.

One gentleman, who had made himself conspicuous by the severity of his language, went about with pistols in his pockets.

He used both hands with awful severity; and in short, he was one of the most fearsome wild beasts ever allowed to remain at large.

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SeverinusSevern