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Enormity and enormousness - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z



Enormity and enormousness - Mixed messages and misused words from A to Z

Egad. These two terms are widely misused. It’s an enormous error.


Enormity refers to importance, or even extent of evil. A truly heinous or outrageous act may be described for its enormity. Enormousness, on the other hand, points to bulk, degree, or dimensions.

Here’s an example of correct usage of enormity and enormousness.

The enormity of the enormous task was astounding. The enormousness of the work to be done nearly equaled the enormity of the responsibility involved in it.

When it comes to enormity and enormousness, one is size, and the other is significance. Can you tell the difference?




Image/s:
Misused word pair
Created by this user
At CoolText
 Abused and misused word graphics
adapted from public domain artwork


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7 comments:

  1. Wow, this is one I didn't know. Thanks so much for the enlightenment!

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  2. Keep them coming! It helps to project professionalism when bloggers and writers of all kinds use words appropriately.

    Sidebar:
    In my head, I am checking to make sure I don't provide material for one of your future posts, like I might in English class- pressure!
    Oh well, I am always open to learning! I look forward to the next pair. I will go back to get a refresher on the A-D posts too!

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  3. Excellent explanation, because these two words can leave many totally confused. Thanks for bringing them to my attention!

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  4. Great explanation!! Thanks for sharing :)

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  5. Like your theme, always enjoy reading about word meanings, and useful sometimes to find you have been using a word wrongly.
    Enjoy the a to Z challenge

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