severity

Everyday

1. Severity is how serious, strong or bad something is, such as the severity of an illness, an injury, a storm or a punishment. tree →
2. Severity can mean strictness or harshness, as in a teacher's severity. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety it is used to rank dangers: storms, earthquakes and allergies are graded by severity. In first aid, you judge the severity of an injury to know whether to call for help. In stories it describes a stern, strict manner. Phrases: «the severity of», «depending on the severity», «reduce the severity».

Examples

• Doctors decide treatment by the severity of the injury. tree →
• The severity of the storm surprised everyone. tree →
• Earthquakes are measured to show their severity. tree →
• Her allergy varies in severity from a rash to trouble breathing. tree →
• The punishment was too harsh for the severity of the crime. tree →
• He spoke with such severity that the room went silent. tree →
• Wearing a helmet reduces the severity of head injuries. tree →
• The girl was frightened by her father’s severity. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: severe. Spelling: «severity», not «severety». Similar words: seriousness, strength; for people: strictness, sternness.