Search

 

« quadrant v. octant v. sextant | Main | melody v. harmony »
Wednesday
Jan132010

enormousness v. enormity

Enormousness is the characteristic of having vast physical size. Synonyms include ‘hugeness’ and ‘immensity’.

Enormity is the quality of exceeding all moral bounds, of being monstrous or evil. ‘The enormity of the tyrant’s war crimes was staggering.’ While it can also mean ‘tremendousness’, this usage is discouraged, as its primary meaning of ‘wickedness’ tends to be inferred regardless of phrasing.

Answers.com usage note on enormousness v. enormity

PrintView Printer Friendly Version