What does gravely mean?
Gravely is an adverb meaning in a solemn, serious, or severe manner. Its most familiar use is for describing speech, behaviour, or appearances that convey weight and formality: a witness may answer gravely, a judge may deliver a warning gravely, or a person may look gravely concerned. In phrases such as “gravely ill” and “gravely injured,” however, it means seriously or severely, indicating a condition of considerable concern. The word is formal and more common in written English, official reports, literature, and traditional public speech than in casual conversation. Its meaning has two related but distinct emphases: solemnity of manner and seriousness of degree. The pronunciation places the main stress on the first syllable, with the final syllable sounding like “lee.” Gravely is also useful in describing the gravity of a situation without directly using the noun “gravity.”
adverbIn a solemn, serious manner; with solemnity. In some contexts, it means seriously or severely.
- In a solemn, formal, or serious manner.
- To a serious or severe degree, especially in expressions describing a condition or situation.
"The judge spoke gravely as he announced the verdict."
"The judge spoke gravely as he announced the verdict."
"Several passengers were taken to hospital after the crash because they were gravely injured."
Gravely carries both solemnity and severity: 'gravely ill' means seriously ill, not merely sadly or solemnly unwell.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gravely come from?
Gravely was formed in English from grave, meaning serious or solemn, with the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Grave ultimately comes through Old French from Latin gravis, meaning heavy, serious, or weighty. The same Latin root also underlies gravity, gravitate, gravid, and gravitas, reflecting the long connection between physical weight, dignity, and seriousness in English.
How gravely is actually used
Gravely is a formal or elevated word. It is especially common in news, legal, and literary contexts and can indicate either solemn manner or a serious degree.
Easily confused with gravely
Gravely means solemnly or seriously, whereas gravelly means rough, gritty, or covered with gravel.