severity
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for severity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of being harsh, strict, or extreme.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use severity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French severite, from Latin severitas, from severus, "severe."
Full origin of severity →Frequently asked questions
What does “severity” mean?
The word “severity” means the quality of being harsh, strict, or extreme. In plain terms, how bad, harsh, or serious something is.
How do you pronounce “severity”?
“Severity” is pronounced sih-VEHR-ih-tee (/səˈvɛɹ.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “severity” in a sentence?
Here is “severity” used in a sentence: “Doctors were surprised by the severity of his symptoms.”
What is another word for “severity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “severity” include severeness.
What part of speech is “severity”?
“Severity” is a noun.
Where does the word “severity” come from?
The word “severity” comes from Latin. From Middle French severite, from Latin severitas, from severus, "severe.".
Is “severity” a common word?
“Severity” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “severity” have?
“Severity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being harsh, strict, or extreme.
What is the difference between severity and seriousness?
Severity refers to the degree to which something bad or extreme is present, often emphasizing harshness or intensity. Seriousness more broadly describes how important or grave a matter is, without necessarily implying harshness.
How is 'severity' used when describing illness or weather?
In these contexts, 'severity' describes the degree to which a condition, such as an illness, storm, or symptom, is bad or extreme, for example 'the severity of the flooding' or 'the severity of her symptoms.'
What is the difference between severity and strictness?
Strictness usually refers to the enforcement of rules or discipline, while severity can describe both harsh treatment and the intensity or extent of a negative situation, giving it a broader range of use than strictness.