Grammar and Punctuation The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Enormity

This word is frequently misused: the "enormity" of football linemen these days, or the "enormity" of the task. Enormity has nothing to do with something's size. For that, we have such words as immensity, vastness, hugeness, and enormousness.

Enormity is an ethical, judgmental word meaning "great wickedness," "a monstrous crime." The enormity of Jonestown doesn't mean Jonestown was a huge place, but rather that it was the site of a hugely outrageous tragedy.


Are you ready for the quiz?