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Gravelly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gravelly

[ˈɡrævəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

voice quality

Having a rough, harsh, or rasping quality to the voice, often due to throat irritation or strain.

Synonyms

harsh, rasping, rough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gravelly

Often used to describe a voice that sounds like it has small stones in it, typically deep and rough. It adds a sense of age or toughness to the description.

  • He spoke in a gravelly voice that came from years of smoking.
  • The old man's gravelly laugh filled the room.
rough

Can describe something that is not smooth or something that is tough and not gentle. It can be used in various contexts including texture, voice, and experiences.

  • The rough texture of the blanket irritated her skin.
  • He has a rough voice from years of shouting at games.
  • Life has been rough on him lately.
harsh

Used to describe something that is very rough and unpleasant, either physically, emotionally, or in sound. Has a negative connotation.

  • The teacher's harsh criticism made him cry.
  • The harsh light of the midday sun made it hard to see.
rasping

Describes a sound that is rough and harsh, often associated with difficulty in breathing or speaking. Has a negative connotation.

  • His rasping breath indicated his struggle to breathe.
  • The door opened with a rasping sound.

Examples of usage

  • His gravelly voice added a sense of authority to his speeches.
  • She spoke in a gravelly tone after cheering loudly at the concert.
Context #2 | Adjective

surface texture

Consisting of or covered with small, loose stones or rock fragments.

Synonyms

pebbly, rocky, stony.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gravelly

Best used when describing something that contains small stones or gravel, often used for surfaces like roads or driveways.

  • The gravelly path led to the cabin.
  • He liked the gravelly texture of the pathway for jogging.
rocky

Used to describe something full of rocks, often large ones, like mountain terrains or rough landscapes.

  • The rocky mountain trail was challenging to hike.
  • They navigated the rocky coast with caution.
pebbly

Appropriate for describing something covered with or resembling pebbles, often used for beaches or riverbeds.

  • The pebbly shore was perfect for collecting stones.
  • She admired the pebbly texture of the garden decoration.
stony

Typically used to describe something that is hard and unyielding like stone, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's demeanor as cold or unfeeling.

  • The field had a stony surface, making it hard to till.
  • She gave him a stony stare, making it clear she was upset.

Examples of usage

  • The gravelly road made driving difficult.
  • The beach was gravelly, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'gravelly'

The word 'gravelly' originated from the noun 'gravel', which comes from the Old French 'gravele' meaning 'gravel, shingle'. Gravel itself is derived from the Latin 'crabula', a diminutive of 'crabis' meaning 'a heap of stones'. The adjective 'gravelly' has been used since the 17th century to describe rough, harsh qualities or surfaces resembling gravel.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,764, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.