gravely: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “gravely” mean?
In a serious, solemn, or severe manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In a serious, solemn, or severe manner; to a degree that gives cause for serious concern.
Also relating to or resembling gravel in substance, texture, or appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. Both use it primarily as an adverb of manner.
Connotations
In both, 'gravely' elevates the gravity of the accompanying adjective/verb (e.g., 'gravely ill') and is more formal than 'seriously'.
Frequency
Equally common in serious contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gravely” in a Sentence
VERB + gravely (He nodded gravely)gravely + ADJECTIVE (gravely wrong)gravely + VERB-ED (gravely undermined)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gravely” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The Prime Minister addressed the nation gravely.
- She is gravely ill in hospital.
American English
- The doctor looked gravely at the test results.
- This decision could gravely impact our future.
adjective
British English
- The gravelly soil of the coastal path.
American English
- The gravelly texture of the driveway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal reports to indicate serious risk: 'The breach gravely compromised our data.'
Academic
Used to underscore critical flaws or serious implications: 'The methodological error gravely affects the conclusion.'
Everyday
Most common in news or serious conversation about health or danger: 'He is gravely ill in hospital.'
Technical
Rarely, in geology/construction to describe a gravel-like texture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gravely”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gravely”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravely”
- Using it for mild concerns: 'I'm gravely annoyed by the noise.' (Overuse)
- Confusing spelling with 'gravelly' (rough voice).
- Using as an adjective: 'The situation is gravely.' (Incorrect; needs 'grave' or 'serious')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonyms, but 'gravely' is more formal and implies a higher degree of seriousness, often with negative, dangerous, or solemn connotations.
Yes, 'He spoke gravely' means he spoke in a serious, solemn tone. Do not confuse it with 'gravelly', which means a rough, low voice.
Primarily an adverb. The adjective form for the tone/substance is 'grave' (serious) or 'gravelly' (like gravel).
The strongest collocation is with health/medical contexts: 'gravely ill' or 'gravely injured'.
In a serious, solemn, or severe manner.
Gravely is usually formal, neutral in register.
Gravely: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪvli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪvli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gravely disadvantaged (formal, socio-economic context)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **grave** (where serious matters end) + LY. Doing something 'gravely' is with the seriousness of a grave situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERIOUSNESS IS HEAVY / DANGEROUS IS DOWN (gravely ill, gravely concerned).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'gravely' used CORRECTLY?