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Enormity, some people insist, is improperly used to denote large size. They insist on enormousness for this meaning, and would limit enormity to the meaning “great wickedness.” Those who urge such a limitation may not recognize the subtlety with which enormity is actually used. It regularly denotes a considerable departure from the expected or normal <they awakened; they sat up; and then the enormity of their situation burst upon them. “How did the fire start?” — John Steinbeck>. When used to denote large size, either literal or figurative, it usually suggests something so large as to seem overwhelming <no intermediate zone of study. Either the enormity of the desert or the sight of a tiny flower — Paul Theroux> <the enormity of the task of teachers in slum schools — J. B. Conant> and may even be used to suggest both great size and deviation from morality <the enormity of existing stockpiles of atomic weapons — New Republic>. It can also emphasize the momentousness of what has happened <the sombre enormity of the Russian Revolution — George Steiner> or of its consequences <perceived as no one in the family could the enormity of the misfortune — E. L. Doctorow>.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enormity
Entire Thread Subject Posted By Posted interesting web page on common errors Alex Williams 04/15/08 01:37 PM Re: interesting web page on common errors Owlbow 04/15/08 05:14 PM Re: interesting web page on common errors BranShea 04/16/08 12:50 PM Re: interesting web page on common errors goofy 04/17/08 09:03 PM Re: interesting web page on common errors The Pook 04/17/08 11:26 PM Re: interesting web page on common errors The Pook 04/16/08 01:07 AM Re: interesting web page on common errors Faldage 04/16/08 01:10 AM Re: interesting web page on common errors The Pook 04/16/08 01:55 AM
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