The Enormity of "Enormity" Misused

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and if you’ve been listening to this show for a while, you know how much I love the word “enormity.” Quick recap: Most people think “enormity” means huge, but it actually means huge evil. And this can quickly get hilarious when it’s misused. Here are some real headlines where this happened.

Astronomers are revealing the enormity of the universe
Enormity of the largest passenger aircraft
The enormity of the Indian electorate
The enormity of adolescence
The Enormity of Life (apparently that’s the title of a movie)
Enormity of whales
And, a personal favorite: Ezekiel Elliott needs to understand the enormity of everything surrounding him

Must be a rough life.

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