noun
severity
sih-VEHR-ih-tee
noun
1
The quality of being harsh, strict, or extreme.
"Doctors were surprised by the severity of his symptoms."
"The severity of the punishment shocked the courtroom."
2
The degree to which something bad or serious is present.
"Insurance payouts depend on the severity of the damage."
How to Use Severity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow bad, harsh, or serious something is.
Common pairings
severity of the injury
vary in severity
assess the severity
Word Forms
severities plural
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Etymology
From Middle French severite, from Latin severitas, from severus, "severe."