List of English Words With Disputed Usage - E

E

• enormity – Frequently used as a synonym for "enormousness" or "immensity", but traditionally means "extreme wickedness". According to AHD4, this distinction has not always occurred historically, but is now supported by 59% of the dictionary's Usage Panel. COD11 states that enormity as a synonym for hugeness "is now broadly accepted as standard English." Although Chambers lists "immenseness or vastness" as a meaning, it says it "should not be used" in that sense, commenting that it is encountered often because the word enormousness is "awkward"; it recommends using instead another word, such as hugeness, greatness, etc.
  • Disputed usage: The enormity of the elephant astounded me.
  • Traditional usage: The enormity of Stalin's purges astounds me.