grim

The word “grim” means bleak, gloomy, or discouraging. In plain terms, bleak, serious, or grim-faced — used for bad news, harsh outlooks, or stern expressions.

“Grim” is pronounced grihm (/ɡɹɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “grim” used in a sentence: “The doctor delivered a grim prognosis.”

“Grim” is an adjective.

The word “grim” comes from Old English. From Old English grimm, going back through Proto-Germanic to a root meaning "to roar" or "thunder" — the sense shifted from fierce and terrifying to today's bleak, joyless meaning.

“Grim” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Grim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: bleak, gloomy, or discouraging.

Grim describes something bleak, gloomy, or discouraging in a way that feels harsh or foreboding, such as "grim news" or "a grim outlook." Sad describes an emotional state of unhappiness, so grim is more about the tone or severity of a situation, while sad is about how someone feels.

Yes. Grim can describe a stern, harsh, or unyielding expression or manner, such as "a grim look on her face," as well as a bleak or discouraging situation, such as "grim prospects." Both senses share a tone of severity and lack of warmth.

Grim is the base adjective describing bleakness or a stern manner. "Grimace" is a related but distinct word for a facial expression of pain or disgust, while "grim-faced" is a compound describing someone whose expression is stern or severe, drawing directly on the adjective grim.