moral severity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral severity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strict or harsh approach to moral principles or ethical standards. Example: "The judge's decision reflected a sense of moral severity, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

British reviewers have piled on the superlatives, admiring the show's thematic audacity, moral severity and all-out razzmatazz.

The New York Times

Be that as it may, we kick off at the dawn of recorded time with two cowled, monkish figures, their spartan appearance bespeaking a certain manly and moral severity.

The Guardian - Film

It's a piece of music I know well from recordings, including Claudio Arrau's voluptuous bronze luminosity, Rudolf Serkin's moral severity, Julius Katchen's impetuous drama, and Leon Fleisher's tensile strength.

The New Yorker

Ms. Johnston, best known for television's "Third Rock From the Sun" and a star of the recent revival of "The Women," confirms her promise as a stage actress with a portrayal that finds a moral severity in the lusty wench Maria.

The New York Times

The essential qualities of event complexity are the type of the crime, the number of people involved in the crime, the number of persons involved, the evidence collected, and the event's legal and moral severity [6][8][9].

Security Informatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This behaviour corresponds with the two requirements which the tribunal considered in order to grant moral damage: exceptionality and severity".

The Guardian - Sport

Leviathan is a tragic drama, compelling in its moral seriousness, with a severity and force that escalate into a terrible, annihilating sort of grandeur.

The Guardian - Film

"As the numbers of these moral cases increase, the severity of punishment decreases," said Ahmad Gul Wasiq, a professor of theology at Jalalabad University, who also counsels families when there are marriage problems and who had heard about Gul Meena's case.

The New York Times

Schnall's 2008 study finding that hand-washing reduced the severity of moral judgment was one of those Donnellan could not replicate".

Science Magazine

To estimate both burnout syndrome and moral distress prevalence and severity among all ICU providers (physicians, nurses, nurse technicians and respiratory therapists) and compare them with the step-down unit providers.

Annals of Intensive Care

In the meantime, I questioned my moral choices with a new severity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral severity" when you want to emphasize a strict or uncompromising application of moral principles in a particular context.

Common error

Avoid using "moral severity" when you intend to convey a sense of "moral superiority", which implies a belief in one's own higher moral standing rather than a strict application of principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral severity" functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as a descriptor, highlighting the intensity or strictness associated with moral principles or judgments. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral severity" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a strict or harsh approach to moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its application in different categories. While its frequency is rare, appearing mostly in news, science and encyclopedias, it effectively conveys a sense of uncompromising adherence to ethical standards. Related phrases include "ethical strictness" and "moral rigor", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Using "moral severity" appropriately can add depth and precision to discussions involving ethics and judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical strictness

Focuses specifically on the strict application of ethical principles.

moral rigor

Emphasizes the thoroughness and uncompromising nature of moral standards.

strict moral code

Highlights the presence of a defined and inflexible set of moral rules.

severe moral judgment

Focuses on the harshness of the evaluation of moral actions.

stringent ethical standards

Emphasizes the demanding and rigorous nature of ethical guidelines.

uncompromising morality

Highlights the firm and inflexible nature of moral beliefs.

austere moral principles

Suggests a simple, unadorned, and strict adherence to moral principles.

harsh moral standards

Focuses on the unforgiving nature of the ethical expectations.

inflexible moral compass

Highlights the rigid and unyielding nature of one's moral guidance.

rigid ethical framework

Emphasizes the structured and unbending system of ethical considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "moral severity" in a sentence?

You can use "moral severity" to describe a strict or harsh approach to moral principles. For example, "The judge's decision reflected a sense of "moral severity", emphasizing the importance of accountability."

What's a good alternative to "moral severity"?

Alternatives include "ethical strictness", "moral rigor", or "strict moral code" depending on the context.

Is "moral severity" the same as "ethical strictness"?

While similar, "moral severity" often implies a harshness or strictness in judgment, whereas "ethical strictness" focuses more on the precise application of ethical principles.

When is it appropriate to use the term "moral severity"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where moral judgments are made with a high degree of strictness and adherence to principles, often implying a lack of leniency or compromise.