Meaning & use

severities

noun·Advanced

Last updated

instances or degrees of harshness, strictness, or intensity, especially of conditions, punishment, or weather.

See it in a sentence

The report detailed the severities of the winter storm across the region.

Judges must weigh the severities of different crimes when handing down sentences.

A note on using this word

Though 'severity' is usually treated as uncountable, the plural 'severities' is used when comparing distinct degrees or instances of harshness.

Words with a similar meaning

harshnessesintensities

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

mildnessesleniencies

Make it your own

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