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Severity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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severity

[sɪˈvɛrɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

The seriousness or extent of something harmful or dangerous.

Synonyms

acuteness, intensity, seriousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
severity

Used when emphasizing the harshness or strictness of a situation, condition, or rule. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The severity of the punishment was questioned by many
  • The severity of the storm caused widespread damage
seriousness

Used when emphasizing the importance or gravity of a situation, action, or condition. Often implies a need for careful thought or consideration.

  • The seriousness of the situation requires immediate attention
  • She spoke with a tone of seriousness that caught everyone's attention
intensity

Used to describe the degree of force, strength, or concentration of an action, feeling, or quality. It can be both positive and negative.

  • The intensity of his passion for art was evident in his work
  • The intensity of the rivalry between the two teams was palpable
acuteness

Used to describe sharpness or keenness, typically of a perception, intellect, or pain. It’s often related to a sudden and intense onset.

  • The acuteness of her hearing allowed her to notice even the faintest sounds
  • The acuteness of the pain took him by surprise

Examples of usage

  • The severity of the patient's condition required immediate attention.
  • The severity of the storm caused widespread damage.
  • The severity of the injury was evident from the x-ray results.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The harshness or strictness of something, such as rules or punishment.

Synonyms

harshness, rigor, strictness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
severity

Used to describe the seriousness or intensity of something, often negative or unpleasant. It can pertain to conditions, consequences, or diseases.

  • The severity of the storm caused massive damage across the region
  • The doctor was concerned about the severity of the patient's symptoms
harshness

Refers to something that is overly rigid, unkind, or severe in a way that lacks compassion. It can describe actions, words, or conditions.

  • The harshness of her words left him feeling hurt
  • The harshness of the desert climate makes it difficult for many species to survive
strictness

Refers to the enforcement of rules or expectations with little flexibility. It is often used in contexts relating to discipline, regulations, or parenting.

  • The teacher was known for her strictness in maintaining classroom discipline
  • The company’s policy on data privacy is enforced with strictness
rigor

Indicates strictness or exactness in the application of standards, rules, or procedures. It often applies to academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

  • The rigor of the scientific method ensures reliable and accurate results
  • Medical students must undergo rigorous training before they can practice

Examples of usage

  • The severity of the punishment deterred others from breaking the rules.
  • The severity of the consequences forced him to reconsider his actions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, the severity of a mental health condition can determine the type of treatment someone may need.
  • Research shows that the perception of severity can impact how individuals respond to stressors in their lives.

Medicine

  • In medicine, the severity of a disease can be measured using various scales, helping doctors decide on treatments.
  • Conditions like heart disease often classify severity to guide patient management effectively.

Literature

  • In literary works, a character’s severity can reflect their personality and drive plot twists.
  • Many authors explore themes of severity to highlight moral dilemmas and the struggles of their characters.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique views on severity, such as how strict rules are perceived in education and parenting.
  • In some societies, severe weather events are seen as both a natural disaster and a test of community resilience.

Origin of 'severity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'severitas', which means 'sternness' or 'harshness'.
  • In Middle English, it developed into 'severite', reflecting a focus on strictness.

The word 'severity' originated from the Latin word 'severitas', which means strictness or harshness. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of seriousness or extent of harm. The concept of severity has been prevalent in various fields, including medicine, law, and general discussions of consequences.

See also: severely.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,121 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.