Gravely: meaning, definitions and examples

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gravely

[ˈɡreɪvli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

used to describe a serious or solemn manner

In a serious or solemn manner; giving cause for alarm; causing great concern; seriously.

Synonyms

earnestly, seriously, solemnly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gravely	Used when describing something very serious or critical, often involving danger or profound consequences. The doctor spoke gravely about the patient's condition She looked gravely at the accident scene
seriously	Applicable in situations requiring genuine concern or importance, often used to stress the sincerity of a statement or action. She looked at him seriously and said, 'This is not a joke ' He is seriously considering a career change
solemnly	Best used in formal or important occasions that require reverence or a respectful attitude, often associated with ceremonies or significant moments. The judge solemnly pronounced the sentence The team solemnly observed a minute of silence for their fallen comrade
earnestly	Employed when someone is deeply sincere and serious about what they are saying or doing, often implying a heartfelt or intense manner. He spoke earnestly about his desire to help the community She earnestly apologized for her mistakes

Examples of usage

She looked gravely at the doctor, waiting for the test results.
The situation was gravely misunderstood by the public.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

used to describe a serious or critical situation

Giving cause for alarm; serious; critical.

Synonyms

critical, serious, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gravely	Used to describe something done or said with a serious and solemn manner. Often related to matters of life and health, indicating a deep level of concern or danger. He was gravely injured in the accident and needed immediate medical attention. She spoke gravely about the importance of the upcoming election.
serious	Describes situations, conditions, or matters that are important and require careful consideration, often implying potential negative consequences if not addressed properly. He gave her a serious look, indicating the gravity of the situation. She suffered a serious injury during the game.
critical	Typically used in contexts involving urgent and important situations that need immediate attention, especially in medical, safety, or crisis scenarios. It can also refer to a crucial point in a process. The patient is in critical condition after the surgery. It is critical that we meet this deadline to avoid penalties.
severe	Indicates extreme intensity or degree in negative contexts, such as climate conditions, health issues, or disciplinary actions. Often has a strong negative connotation. The region was hit by a severe storm that caused massive damage. He faced severe punishment for breaking the rules.

Examples of usage

The gravely ill patient was rushed to the emergency room.
The gravely damaged building was deemed unsafe for occupation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'grave', which means serious or heavy.
In English, 'grave' has been used since the 15th century to indicate seriousness or solemnity.
The adverb form 'gravely' became popular to describe serious situations or actions.

Psychology

Using serious facial expressions can influence how others perceive a situation or someone’s emotional state.
Psychologists study how taking on serious tones can affect group dynamics and anxiety levels.
Communicating gravely can help convey necessary information that requires attention, especially in crises.

Literature

Authors often use gravely to illustrate a character's shift in mood, suggesting a deeper narrative impact.
The word can often be found in poetry to evoke a sense of somberness and reflection.
In classic literature, gravely described speeches often indicate pivotal moments in plots, highlighting character seriousness.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often speak gravely during critical, life-altering or tragic moments, heightening the dramatic impact.
Music lyrics frequently express gravely themes, reflecting on serious issues such as loss, love, or existential questions.
Current trends in social media sometimes use a grave tone to address serious global issues, such as climate change or social justice.

Science

In medical contexts, doctors might describe a patient's condition as gravely ill, indicating a serious health risk.
Environmental research often uses the term to highlight urgent concerns regarding climate change's effects on natural ecosystems.
Space exploration discussions sometimes involve grave implications of potential risks for crewed missions.

Translations

Translations of the word "gravely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gravemente

🇮🇳 गंभीरता से

🇩🇪 schwer

🇮🇩 dengan serius

🇺🇦 серйозно

🇵🇱 poważnie

🇯🇵 重く

🇫🇷 gravement

🇪🇸 gravemente

🇹🇷 ciddi olarak

🇰🇷 심각하게

🇸🇦 بشكل خطير

🇨🇿 vážně

🇸🇰 vážne

🇨🇳 严重地

🇸🇮 resno

🇮🇸 alvarlega

🇰🇿 ауыр

🇬🇪 სერიოზულად

🇦🇿 ciddi şəkildə

🇲🇽 gravemente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,351, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11348 criticize
11349 equator
11350 stump
11351 gravely
11352 descendant
11353 gardener
11354 fostering
...