Definition

The quality or state of being very serious, strict, or harsh.

Example

The severeness of the storm caused many people to stay indoors.

Conversation

I was thinking about the severeness of the new rules at school.

Yeah, they really seem strict this year.

I wonder if it will actually help with discipline or just make things worse.

I guess we'll see, but the severeness is definitely noticeable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Severeness is formed from "severe" (from Latin "severus", meaning serious or strict) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "severeness" refers to the quality of being serious or strict.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'severe' which means serious, and remember that 'severeness' describes the state of being serious.

Visually Confused Words