Definition

The quality of being extremely evil or immoral, often in a shocking way.

Example

The enormity of his crime shocked the entire community.

Conversation

Did you hear about that scandal in the news?

Yeah, the enormity of it all is shocking!

I can't believe how people can act without any shame.

It's really concerning and makes you question humanity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enormity → It is formed from "enormis" (from Latin, meaning out of the norm or irregular) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "enormity" refers to the state of being extremely large or the quality of being outrageous or immoral, originally emphasizing something that deviates greatly from the norm.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'out of the norm' ('enormis') to remember that 'enormity' refers to something that is extremely large or morally outrageous.

Visually Confused Words