Grievous

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɡriːvəs/

Definitions

1. (Adjective) Causing or characterized by severe pain, sorrow, or suffering; serious or severe in nature.

2. (Adjective) Extremely harmful or distressing.

3. (Adjective) Indicating something that is highly regrettable or wrong.

Usage Examples

• His grievous injuries required immediate surgery.
• The grievous loss of their home in the fire left the family devastated.
• The grievous error in the report caused a great deal of trouble.

Etymology

From Middle English "grievous" (meaning "harmful or painful"), derived from Old French "grievous," from Latin "gravis," meaning "heavy" or "serious." The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe both physical and emotional severity.

Synonyms

• Severe
• Serious
• Dire
• Critical
• Harmful
• Devastating
• Tragic

Antonyms

• Minor
• Insignificant
• Trivial
• Benign
• Harmless
• Light

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "grievous" is often pronounced with a stress on the first syllable and a sharp "v" sound.
• In British English, the pronunciation may vary slightly, with a softer vowel sound in the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The adjective "grievous" has been used in the English language since the Middle Ages, originally derived from the Latin "gravis," meaning "heavy" or "serious." The term was used to describe things that caused harm, sadness, or significant distress. It has been common in both formal and legal contexts, particularly in relation to serious offenses or injuries.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of something "grievous" often implies not only physical harm but also emotional or moral weight. In many cultures, grievous actions or events are those that have a lasting impact, whether through loss, injustice, or betrayal. The use of "grievous" can be seen in both personal and collective contexts, such as when describing the loss of a loved one or a national tragedy.

More Information

The word "grievous" is frequently used in legal, literary, and formal contexts to indicate something of significant severity. For example, "grievous bodily harm" refers to serious injury, often in the context of criminal law. Similarly, "grievous offense" is used to describe actions that are deeply harmful or morally reprehensible. In modern usage, the term often emphasizes the emotional or psychological toll of an event, reflecting its historical roots in the idea of heaviness or burden.