The great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong. Originally referred to moral outrageousness rather than physical size.
From Latin 'enormitas,' meaning 'irregularity' or 'departure from rule,' from 'enormis' (out of rule), from 'ex-' (out of) + 'norma' (rule, standard). Originally emphasized moral deviation rather than size.
Don't think 'enormous' (big) - think 'abnormal' (wrong)! Enormity isn't about size; it's about how enormously wrong something is. The enormity of a crime isn't its physical scale but its moral outrageousness.
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