sévérité
severity, strictness
noun seh-veh-ree-TEH Rare
Origin: Latin severitas
Usage Note
Sévérité can describe a strict person, harsh conditions, or a grave illness — the English cognate 'severity' covers the same range. The adjective sévère applies equally to people, punishments, and symptoms. Contrast with rigueur, which implies methodical strictness rather than harshness.
Examples
"Le juge a fait preuve d'une grande sévérité."
Natural Translation
The judge showed great severity.

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