Harrowingness

/ˈhæroʊɪŋnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being harrowing; the degree to which something is distressing or emotionally painful.

Etymology

From 'harrowing' + '-ness' (Old English suffix creating abstract nouns from adjectives). This creates a noun describing the abstract quality of causing emotional distress.

Kelly Says

English's '-ness' suffix is so productive that we can theoretically add it to almost any adjective—'harrowingness' is a perfect example of how English speakers constantly create new words by combining existing parts!

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