grave: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “grave” mean?
A place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole in the ground with a headstone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole in the ground with a headstone.
Something serious, solemn, or threatening; of great significance. Also used as a verb meaning to carve or cut into a surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use all senses similarly. The verb is equally rare in both.
Connotations
Identical. Carries connotations of finality (noun), seriousness/adversity (adj.), and permanence (verb).
Frequency
The noun and adjective are of similar, moderate frequency in both varieties. The verb is very low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “grave” in a Sentence
to be in grave danger of (gerund/noun)to have grave doubts aboutto consider something (to be) a grave mistaketo dig a grave forVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grave” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient runes were graved deep into the standing stone.
- The craftsman graved the family crest onto the silver cup.
American English
- The pioneers graved their names into the canyon wall.
- The date was graved upon the monument.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The company faces grave financial difficulties.' Used in formal reports for serious risks.
Academic
'The study raises grave ethical questions.' Used in critiques and discussions of significant issues.
Everyday
'He had a grave look on his face.' or 'We visited my grandfather's grave.'
Technical
In engraving/heraldry: 'The design was graved into the metal.' Highly specialized.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grave”
- Using 'grave' (adj.) for mildly serious situations (overuse).
- Confusing 'grave' with 'gravy'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ɡrɑːv/ (should be /ɡreɪv/).
- Using the verb in modern contexts where 'engrave', 'etch', or 'carve' is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is stronger and more formal. It implies a worrying or dangerous level of seriousness, often with negative consequences.
A grave is specifically a burial place in the ground. A tomb is an above-ground structure or chamber for burial (like a mausoleum) or a large, ornate grave.
It is largely archaic. In modern English, 'engrave', 'inscribe', or 'carve' are almost always used instead. You might find it in historical or poetic contexts.
For this word, there is no significant vowel or consonant difference between standard British (RP) and General American pronunciations. Both use the diphthong /eɪ/.
A place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole in the ground with a headstone.
Grave is usually formal to neutral in register.
Grave: in British English it is pronounced /ɡreɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡreɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn in one's grave”
- “dig one's own grave”
- “have one foot in the grave”
- “from the cradle to the grave”
- “a fate worse than death (conceptual)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GRAVEstone with a very SERIOUS (grave) warning carved (graved) into it. All three meanings are connected by the idea of something deep, permanent, or serious.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERIOUSNESS IS HEAVINESS / DEATH IS A FINAL DESTINATION (the noun)
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'grave' used as a verb?