Definition

The quality of being extremely wicked or evil.

Example

The heinousness of the crime shocked the entire community.

Conversation

Did you hear about that crime in the news?

Yeah, it was shocking how much heinousness was involved.

I can't believe people can do such terrible things.

It really makes you think about how to make the world a better place.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heinousness → It is formed from "heinous" (from Old French *hainous*, meaning hateful or abominable) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "heinousness" refers to the quality of being extremely wicked or abominable.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'hateful' ('heinous') and the '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'heinousness' refers to the state of being extremely wicked.

Visually Confused Words