What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harshness
Example
The teacher's harshness towards the students made them feel discouraged. [harshness: noun]
Example
The harshness of the winter weather made it difficult to go outside. [harshness: noun]
severity
Example
The severity of the storm caused widespread damage to the city. [severity: noun]
Example
The judge handed down a sentence of great severity to the convicted criminal. [severity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Severity is more commonly used than harshness in everyday language. Severity is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while harshness is less common and refers to a specific type of unpleasantness.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between harshness and severity?
Both harshness and severity can be used in formal and informal contexts, but severity is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
