severeness en · NOUN
Etymology
Etymology tree English severe Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English severeness From severe + -ness.
Meanings
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(uncountable, usually) The property of being severe.
Everyone was surprised by the severeness of the sentence the judge imposed.
Depending on the severeness of the crime and the danger of the suspect, the apprehender may apply physical force in order to stop the pursued and proceed to his apprehension.
1996, Chantal Joubert, Hans Bevers, Schengen Investigated, page 305:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| severenesses | Number=Plur | lexicographic |