The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

grievous

IPA

Dictionary definition of grievous

Extremely serious, severe, or causing deep sorrow, suffering, or distress.
"The betrayal was a grievous blow to their friendship."

Detailed meaning of grievous

When we characterize a situation, event, or injury as grievous, we emphasize the gravity and significant impact it has on individuals or communities. Grievous harm or loss can result in profound physical or emotional pain, often to the point of being devastating. This term conveys a sense of deep concern, sadness, or anguish, emphasizing the weightiness and seriousness of the matter at hand. Whether it's a grievous injury, a grievous injustice, or a grievous loss, this adjective underscores the profound and often heart-wrenching nature of the situation, highlighting the need for compassion and empathy in response to such profound suffering.

Example sentences containing grievous

1. The accident caused a grievous injury to his leg.
2. The loss of their home was a grievous blow to the family.
3. The failure of the business was a grievous disappointment to the entrepreneurs.
4. The news of the death was a grievous shock to the family.
5. The accusations were a grievous injustice to the innocent person.
6. The loss of the game was a grievous disappointment to the team.

History and etymology of grievous

The adjective 'grievous' has its etymological origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word 'grevis,' which means 'heavy' or 'burdensome.' In Old English, 'grevis' was used to describe something physically heavy or oppressive. Over time, this sense of heaviness or burden expanded to encompass the idea of something being extremely serious, severe, or causing deep sorrow, suffering, or distress. 'Grievous' retains a connection to its original meaning, conveying the weight and seriousness of the circumstances or events it describes. Its etymology underscores the gravity and profound impact of situations that are truly grievous.

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Further usage examples of grievous

1. The rejection of the proposal was a grievous setback for the company.
2. The cancellation of the event was a grievous disappointment to everyone involved.
3. The attack on the innocent was a grievous violation of human rights.
4. The injustice was a grievous violation of the law.
5. The accident was a grievous loss for the community.
6. The news of the accident brought grievous shock and sorrow to the family.
7. His grievous mistake had far-reaching consequences for the company.
8. War inflicts grievous harm on nations, causing immense suffering.
9. The sudden loss of a loved one is a grievous and heart-wrenching experience.
10. The earthquake resulted in grievous damage and destruction throughout the city.
11. A grievous error in judgment led to a tragic and irreversible outcome.
12. Poverty can bring grievous suffering and hardship to struggling families.
13. The betrayal was a grievous and deeply painful blow to their long-standing friendship.
14. The pandemic has had grievous economic consequences, impacting livelihoods.
15. The victim's injuries were grievous and required extensive medical intervention.
16. Injustice can cause grievous harm to individuals and undermine social harmony.
17. The forest fire had grievous effects on wildlife populations and ecosystems.
18. Her illness had progressed to a grievous and critical stage.
19. The storm brought grievous destruction and devastation to coastal communities.
20. Child labor is a grievous violation of fundamental human rights and ethics.
21. The accident resulted in grievous injuries and trauma for both drivers involved.
22. Discrimination causes grievous harm and perpetuates inequality in society.
23. The disease's rapid spread posed a grievous threat to public health and safety.
24. The flood had grievous consequences for local farmers, destroying their crops.
25. The betrayal left a grievous and profound emotional wound in their relationship.