Enormity
hardNegative toneih-NOR-mih-tee
noun
Definition
The great or extreme scale of something bad; a grave crime or sin
Memory hook
E-NORM-ITY: beyond the NORM in wickedness — not just bigness, but monstrous evil (unlike enormous).
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The enormity of the crime shocked the entire nation.”
“Only later did the full enormity of the disaster become clear.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ of the crime shocked the entire nation.”
Show answer
enormity
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Enormity is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "atrocity" or "wickedness" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "triviality".
Related GRE Words
turpitude
depravity or baseness of moral character
grandiose
Impressive or magnificent but often exaggerated or pretentious
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
abeyance
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
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