gravely

Everyday

1. In a very serious way, showing that something is important or worrying. tree →
2. Very badly: gravely ill, gravely injured. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «gravely» describes a serious voice or face: «the doctor nodded gravely». In news it means very badly hurt or very dangerously ill. Phrases: «gravely ill», «gravely concerned», «spoke gravely».

Examples

• «This is very important,» said the headteacher gravely. tree →
• The soldier was gravely wounded. tree →
• Grandad was gravely ill but he got better. tree →
• She shook her head gravely. tree →
• The police are gravely concerned about the missing boy. tree →
• “It was Dorothy,” said the Lion gravely. tree →

Note

From «grave» (serious). Not related to graves in a churchyard in meaning, though spelled the same. Do not confuse with «gravelly» (rough, like gravel: a gravelly voice).