Enormity

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ɪˈnɔː.mɪ.ti/

Phonetic: ih-NOR-muh-tee

Definitions

1. The great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong.
2. (Archaic) The quality of being extremely large or immense.

Usage Examples

• The enormity of the crime shocked the entire nation.
• He failed to grasp the enormity of the task ahead.

Etymology

Derived from Latin "enormitas," meaning "irregularity, deviation from norm." The word originally signified "excessiveness" but later evolved to emphasize extreme moral wrongness.

Synonyms

• Atrocity
• Horror
• Wickedness
• Vastness (archaic meaning)

Antonyms

• Virtue
• Goodness
• Moderation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ɪˈnɔː.mɪ.ti/
• American English: /ɪˈnɔr.mɪ.ti/

Historical Usage

Originally used to mean "vastness" in the 16th century, but by the 18th century, it became associated with extreme evil or moral corruption.

Cultural Nuances

The word is often misused to mean "great size" instead of "great evil." Language purists emphasize its original moral connotation.

More Information

Enormity is commonly misinterpreted as a synonym for "enormousness," though it retains a strong negative connotation in formal writing. Understanding its proper use is essential for precise communication.