Word
gravely
Phoneticsgrave·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪvɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a very serious or worried way. You use this when someone is speaking about a dangerous situation or when someone is very sick.
adv. in a serious or solemn manner; to a severe or life-threatening degree. Often modifies verbs of speaking or adjectives related to illness and injury.
Examples
“The doctor looked at him gravely and shook his head.”
“The minister spoke gravely about the economic crisis, warning that difficult times were ahead for every citizen.”
“Although the patient was gravely ill upon arrival, the medical team remained cautiously optimistic that the new treatment protocol would stabilize his condition.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor looked at him gravely and shook his head.”
contextual
“The minister spoke gravely about the economic crisis, warning that difficult times were ahead for every citizen.”
complex
“Although the patient was gravely ill upon arrival, the medical team remained cautiously optimistic that the new treatment protocol would stabilize his condition.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or before an adjective describing a state of health.
Etymology
Word family
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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