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Antonyms for severity

Grammar : Noun
Spell : suh-ver-i-tee
Phonetic Transcription : səˈvɛr ɪ ti

Definition of severity

Origin :
  • late 15c., "austerity or strictness of life," from Middle French severite, from Latin severitas "seriousness, strictness, sternness," from severus "stern, strict, serious," of uncertain origin. Possibly from PIE root *segh- "to have, hold" (see scheme (n.)), or possibly from *se vero "without kindness," from se "without" (see secret) + *vero "kindness," neuter ablative of verus "true" (see very). Meaning "strictness in dealing with others" is recorded from 1520s.
  • noun asperity
Example sentences :
  • She'll drive him to me again; but oh, the shame of taking him so, given to me by her severity!
  • Extract from : « The Bacillus of Beauty » by Harriet Stark
  • The severity of this Winter caused great difficulties in Kentucke.
  • Extract from : « The Adventures of Colonel Daniel Boone » by John Filson
  • "You are trying to evade me, Mr. Hewson," she said, with a severity he found charming.
  • Extract from : « Questionable Shapes » by William Dean Howells
  • But again provoking a severity from me which she could not bear, and calling me names!
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Bred in coldness and severity, this had rescued him to have a warm and sympathetic heart.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • This somewhat abated the severity of Mrs Tow-wouse's countenance.
  • Extract from : « Joseph Andrews Vol. 1 » by Henry Fielding
  • "But you did stickle about words an hour ago," said Mr. Hempstead, with some severity.
  • Extract from : « Jennie Baxter, Journalist » by Robert Barr
  • I rejoined with some severity, for I have never held with profanity.
  • Extract from : « Ruggles of Red Gap » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • No length of march and no severity of service could curb his spirits.
  • Extract from : « War from the Inside » by Frederick L. (Frederick Lyman) Hitchcock
  • The Act failed on account of its severity, and was repealed in 1549.
  • Extract from : « Bygone Punishments » by William Andrews

Synonyms for severity

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019