Gravely

ˈɡreɪvli

adverbmedium📊CommonManner
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

In a serious or solemn way; severely.

ˈɡreɪvli

adverbneutralmedium
Manner

In a serious or solemn manner.

The doctor gravely informed the family about the patient's condition.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking to someone about something super important, like a serious problem. You'd say it gravely, meaning you're being very serious and solemn, like when you're giving advice or talking about something dangerous. For example, "I need to tell you something gravely: there's a monster under your bed!"

👶 For kids: In a very serious way, like when you're talking about something important.

More Examples

2

He shook his head gravely as he considered the problem.

3

The situation was gravely concerning.

How It's Used

Legal

"The judge addressed the defendant gravely."

Medical

"The doctor informed the family gravely about the diagnosis."

2

To a serious or extreme degree.

ˈɡreɪvli

adverbnegativemedium
Degree

To a serious degree; very.

He was gravely injured in the accident.

💡 Simply: If something is happening gravely, it means it's happening to a serious degree, like when you're very worried or things are really bad. For instance, "The dog's health is gravely threatened!"

👶 For kids: When something is happening in a big and serious way.

More Examples

2

The lack of resources gravely impacted the project's progress.

3

The situation is gravely urgent.

How It's Used

General

"The situation is gravely misunderstood."

Political

"The president is gravely concerned about the economic downturn."

Tip:Think of something grave, as in a serious threat; it highlights the importance of the situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Middle English *grave*, from Old French *grave* ("serious, solemn"), from Latin *gravis* ("heavy, weighty, serious").

Used in various contexts, including legal, religious, and medical, since the 14th century.

Memory tip

Think of a grave; it's a place of seriousness.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"heavy, weighty, serious"

gravely concernedgravely injuredgravely illgravely misunderstoodgravely serious

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written