severity

[səˈverəti]

severity Definition

• 1. the fact or condition of being severe
• 2. the extreme degree or extent of something

Using severity: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "severity" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The severity of the storm caused widespread damage.

• Example

  The doctor assessed the severity of the patient's injuries.

• Example

  The company is facing the full severity of the economic downturn.

• Example

  The severity of the punishment was meant to deter others from committing the same crime.

severity Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for severity

• harshness
• strictness
• rigor
• intensity
• seriousness

Antonyms for severity

• leniency
• mildness

Idioms Using severity

• to soften the severity of something

  to make something less harsh or serious

  Example

  The manager tried to soften the severity of the layoff by offering severance packages.

• to take something with severity

  to take something very seriously

  Example

  The company took the security breach with severity and implemented new measures to prevent it from happening again.

• to face the severity of something

  to experience the full extent or consequences of something, usually negative

  Example

  The company is facing the severity of the pandemic with layoffs and budget cuts.

Phrases with severity

• degree of severity

  the extent or level of how severe something is

  Example

  The degree of severity of the disease varies from person to person.

• severity index

  a numerical scale used to measure the severity of a particular event or condition

  Example

  The severity index for the earthquake was off the charts.

• severity of tone

  the degree of seriousness or harshness in someone's voice or manner

  Example

  The teacher's severity of tone made the students realize the importance of the lesson.

Origins of severity

from Latin 'severitas', meaning 'harshness'

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Summary: severity in Brief

The term 'severity' [səˈverəti] refers to the degree or extent of how severe something is. It can be used to describe the seriousness of a situation or the harshness of a punishment. The phrase 'degree of severity' is often used to indicate the level of severity of a particular event or condition. Idioms like 'to soften the severity of something' and 'to take something with severity' are used to describe ways of dealing with harsh or serious situations.