noun

gravitas

GRAV-ih-tahs

Gravitas (noun) means a serious and dignified manner that commands respect. Example: “The judge spoke with a quiet gravitas that silenced the room.”

noun

A serious and dignified manner that commands respect.

"The judge spoke with a quiet gravitas that silenced the room."

"Her years of experience gave her real gravitas in negotiations."

How to use gravitas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dignified, serious presence that makes people take you seriously.

Easily confused with

gravity →

Common pairings

add gravitas political gravitas a sense of gravitas

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The judge spoke with a quiet _____ that silenced the room.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin gravitās ("weight, heaviness") — a doublet of the English word "gravity".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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dignity lordliness

Related words

office honour pride dignity majesty lordliness deign dignify

Rhymes for gravitas

veritas

See all rhymes for gravitas →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gravitas” mean?

The word “gravitas” means a serious and dignified manner that commands respect. In plain terms, a dignified, serious presence that makes people take you seriously.

How do you pronounce “gravitas”?

“Gravitas” is pronounced GRAV-ih-tahs (/ˈɡɹævɪtɑs/ in IPA).

How do you use “gravitas” in a sentence?

Here is “gravitas” used in a sentence: “The judge spoke with a quiet gravitas that silenced the room.”

What part of speech is “gravitas”?

“Gravitas” is a noun.

Where does the word “gravitas” come from?

The word “gravitas” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin gravitās ("weight, heaviness") — a doublet of the English word "gravity".

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office honour pride dignity majesty lordliness deign dignify