Spanish Conversation · Level 32
90 words
Spanish word
grave
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈgɾaβe/
Meaning
- adjectiveserious
Example
El problema es grave.
The problem is serious.
More examples
Si no se trata, la enfermedad puede volverse grave.
If not treated, the illness can become serious.
Core concept
A flashing red triangular warning sign.
Common phrases
enfermedad grave
serious illness
accidente grave
serious accident
riesgo grave
serious risk
Similar words
serio: Marked by seriousness of manner or intent rather than joking or lightness.
importante: Worthwhile or consequential, carrying clear impact and deserving priority.
urgente: Time-sensitive issue that requires fast action to avoid worsening.
crítico: Critical phase of extreme risk when the situation can rapidly deteriorate.
Definition in Spanish
Que requiere atención urgente por su seriedad; se aplica a problemas, accidentes y enfermedades que no son leves.
Word origin
From Latin gravis 'heavy', and related nouns like gravedad retain the 'weight' image that extended to 'serious' in modern Spanish.
Usage tips
- Use estar grave to describe someone's health as seriously ill or injured, while serio is a more general word for a serious person or matter.
Other meanings
- severeadjective
- criticaladjective
Opposites
- insignificanteinsignificantadjective
Related words
- agravaraggravateverb
- gravementeseriouslyadverb