Words / C2

GRAV-it-as/ˈɡrævɪtæs/

Gravitas is serious dignity of manner that makes people attend: the role needs gravitas. Gravity is physical force, or seriousness of a situation (the gravity of the offence). Dignity (C1) is self-worth; gravitas is the weight you seem to carry in public. Do not write gravitas for a deep voice alone, or for gravity the physics word.

Meaning

Serious dignity of manner that makes people take you seriously.

Examples

• “The role needs gravitas, not another joke.”
• “The inquiry needed gravitas, not another quip from the chair.”
• “The gravity of the injury is medical; gravitas is how the spokesperson stood at the lectern.”

Good to know

Serious dignity of manner. Mix-up: gravity (physics / seriousness of a fact). Cousin: dignity. Not merely a low voice.

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