grave
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “grave” mean?
adjective.giving cause for alarm; serious.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to serious situations, such as discussions of moral dilemmas, health crises, or significant societal issues. It emphasizes a sense of urgency and the weight of consequences, distinguishing it from similar words like "serious," which may lack the same level of alarm or severity.
Common Confusions
Grave implies a sense of urgency and alarm regarding serious matters, while serious usually suggests importance without the same level of immediate concern or dire implications.
Do not choose grave if the context emphasizes lightheartedness or triviality rather than giving cause for alarm or seriousness.
Example Sentences
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The doctor's expression told them the situation was grave.
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The doctor's grave expression did not bode well for the patient's prognosis.