Basic Details
Word: Enormity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The large size or extent of something; typically used to describe something shocking, wrong, or morally bad.
Synonyms: Vastness, immensity, magnitude
Antonyms: Smallness, insignificance, triviality
Idioms and Phrases
- To be blinded by enormity: This means to be overwhelmed by something very large or complex, preventing clear judgement. Example: "The enormity of the task ahead left us all feeling blinded and unsure of where to start."
- On an enormous scale: Refers to something that is done or exists in a huge and significant manner. Example: "The charity event was organised on an enormous scale, attracting thousands of people."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The enormity of the disaster shocked the entire nation and called for immediate action.
Example 2: Many people cannot grasp the enormity of the universe, with its billions of stars and galaxies.
Example 3: The enormity of the mistake became clear only after we had already made many wrong decisions.
Fun Fact
The word "enormity" originally meant just great size in the 14th century. However, its meaning shifted over time to focus more on the shocking, immoral aspects of something huge, especially in dealing with acts of evil or crime.
Famous Quote
"The enormity of the world's injustice can be more than we can bear." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "enormity" mean?
a) Small size
b) A large bad action
c) A healthy plant
d) An average building
Answer: b) A large bad action
2. Which of these is a synonym of "enormity"?
a) Insignificance
b) Vastness
c) Triviality
d) Smallness
Answer: b) Vastness
3. What is an antonym of "enormity"?
a) Immensity
b) Triviality
c) Magnitude
d) Vastness
Answer: b) Triviality
4. Which sentence uses "enormity" correctly?
a) The enormity of the mountain amazed us all.
b) He bought an enormity of candy at the store.
c) She ran an enormity in the park.
d) The puppy showed an enormity of joy.
Answer: a) The enormity of the mountain amazed us all.
5. Which idiom relates to "enormity"?
a) On an enormous scale
b) Biting off more than one can chew
c) Making a mountain out of a molehill
d) Seeing the bigger picture
Answer: a) On an enormous scale
