Spanish word

gravedad

Pronunciation

IPA/gɾaβeˈðað/

Meaning

  • feminine nounseriousness

Example

Comprendimos la gravedad de la situación.

We understood the seriousness of the situation.

Illustration for gravedad (seriousness)

More examples

La gravedad del accidente sorprendió a todos.

The seriousness of the accident surprised everyone.

Core concept

A heavy weight pulling a situation downward.

Common phrases

  • la gravedad del accidente

    the seriousness of the accident

  • la gravedad de las heridas

    the seriousness of the injuries

  • la gravedad de la enfermedad

    the seriousness of the illness

Similar words

seriedad: Demands solemn, careful handling and earnest attention.
urgencia: Requires prompt action because delay makes outcomes worse.
importancia: Signals that an issue deserves attention and priority.
riesgo: Indicates a real chance of harm, loss, or danger.

Definition in Spanish

Cualidad de ser serio o importante por sus posibles consecuencias negativas; se usa para hablar de la magnitud de un problema o, en física, de la fuerza que atrae a los cuerpos.

Word origin

Gravedad comes from Latin gravitas 'weight, seriousness', from gravis 'heavy', and the term covers both physical gravity and the seriousness of events.

Usage tips

  • Spanish speakers use la gravedad de la situación to stress danger or large consequences, while serio or importante fit lighter problems.

Other meanings

  • gravitynoun

Opposites

  • trivialidadtrivialitynoun
  • levezalightnessnoun

Related words

  • graveseriousadjective
  • gravísimovery seriousadjective
  • gravementeseriouslyadverb

Word lists with this word