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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