What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dourness
Example
The teacher's dourness made the students feel uncomfortable. [dourness: noun]
Example
He had a dour expression on his face when he heard the news. [dour: adjective]
severity
Example
The severity of the crime warranted a long prison sentence. [severity: noun]
Example
The doctor warned him about the severity of his condition. [severe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Severity is more commonly used than dourness in everyday language. Severity is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while dourness is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dourness and severity?
Both dourness and severity are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, severity is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while dourness is more limited in its usage and is typically associated with a more formal tone.
