Get more practice with the workbook

Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

4.6

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

4.8

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs

4.8

Buy Now

✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

gravitas

Gravitas (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈɡravɪtas/

What does gravitas mean?

A quality of seriousness, dignity, and importance in a person's demeanor, speech, or actions.
"His dignity and solemnity brought a sense of gravitas to the occasion."

Detailed Meaning of Gravitas

It conveys a sense of depth and wisdom, often associated with someone who carries themselves with a profound sense of responsibility, authority, and maturity. Gravitas implies a presence that commands respect and attention, and it is often found in individuals who hold significant positions of leadership or influence, such as political leaders, scholars, or senior professionals. This term signifies a combination of wisdom, integrity, and a strong sense of moral and ethical responsibility, all of which contribute to an individual's authoritative and influential presence. Gravitas is often considered a highly esteemed quality, as it reflects a person's ability to inspire trust and confidence in others.

Example Sentences for Gravitas

1. His speech was filled with gravitas, commanding the audience's respect.
2. The judge's presence in the courtroom exuded gravitas.
3. She possessed a natural gravitas that made her a leader.
4. The CEO's gravitas inspired confidence among employees.
5. His deep voice added gravitas to his role as a narrator.
6. The statesman's gravitas shaped the nation's history.

Origin and Etymology of Gravitas

The noun 'gravitas' has its etymological origins in Latin, and it conveys a sense of weightiness and importance. It derives from the Latin word 'gravis,' which means 'heavy' or 'weighty.' In ancient Rome, 'gravitas' was a highly valued quality associated with a person's seriousness, dignity, and the weight of their character. It was considered essential for individuals in positions of authority and leadership. Over time, this concept has been adopted into the English language to describe a similar quality of seriousness and dignity in a person's demeanor, speech, or actions. The etymology of 'gravitas' underscores its connection to the notion of weight and significance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a serious and dignified demeanor, especially in roles of leadership and responsibility.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun gravitas:

flippancy

frivolity

levity

seriousness

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Gravitas

1. The professor's lectures were known for their intellectual gravitas.
2. Her calm demeanor and wisdom exuded gravitas.
3. The general's years of service lent him a sense of gravitas.
4. The diplomat's words carried a weight of gravitas in international negotiations.
5. The president's address had the gravitas of a historic moment.
6. The elder stateswoman's advice was sought for its gravitas.
7. The scientist's groundbreaking discoveries added gravitas to his field.
8. His military uniform gave him an air of gravitas.
9. The priest's sermons were delivered with spiritual gravitas.
10. The author's novels were known for their literary gravitas.
11. The film director brought gravitas to every project he undertook.
12. The news anchor's delivery had a journalistic gravitas.
13. The CEO's gravitas in board meetings was unquestioned.
14. The astronaut's experiences in space added a unique gravitas to her speeches.
15. His contributions to humanitarian causes reflected his sense of gravitas.
16. The philosopher's writings were filled with intellectual gravitas.
17. The musician's compositions carried a sense of emotional gravitas.
18. The judge's decisions were made with legal gravitas.
19. The historian's books were celebrated for their historical gravitas.
20. The colonel had an air of gravitas that commanded respect.
21. The professor had a gravitas that made people stop and take notice.
22. His gravitas commanded respect from all who knew him.
23. The meeting was lacking in gravitas without her presence.
24. She spoke with such gravitas that it was clear she was a leader.
25. His gravitas was palpable as he addressed the crowd.
26. Despite his youth, he carried himself with gravitas beyond his years.
27. The gravitas of the event was reflected in the formal attire of those in attendance.
28. Her words carried gravitas, and everyone listened attentively.
29. His gravitas as a judge commanded the respect of all who appeared before him.
30. The gravitas of the moment was reflected in the silence of the crowd.
31. The gravitas of the decision weighed heavily on the shoulders of the leaders.
32. The gravitas of the topic demanded a serious and thoughtful discussion.
33. The gravitas of the situation was not lost on anyone in the room.