adv
grisly
GRIHZ-lee
Grisly (adv) means In a horrifying or gruesome manner. Example: “The crime scene was described grisly in the report.”
adv
1
In a horrifying or gruesome manner.
"The crime scene was described grisly in the report."
How to use grisly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something done or shown in a gruesome, horrifying way.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "grizzly" (the bear) — they sound alike but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more grisly
- Superlative
- most grisly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crime scene was described _____ in the report.
Etymology
Related to an old word for "horror" or "terror," and closely tied to the more commonly used adjective "grisly," meaning horrifying or gruesome.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “grisly” mean?
The word “grisly” means in a horrifying or gruesome manner. In plain terms, describes something done or shown in a gruesome, horrifying way.
How do you pronounce “grisly”?
“Grisly” is pronounced GRIHZ-lee (/ˈɡɹɪzli/ in IPA).
How do you use “grisly” in a sentence?
Here is “grisly” used in a sentence: “The crime scene was described grisly in the report.”
What part of speech is “grisly”?
“Grisly” is an adverb.
