gruesome
Gruesome (adj) means causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death. Example: “The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site.”
How to use gruesome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShockingly horrific or grisly, usually describing violence, injury, or death.
Word forms
gruesomer comparative, more gruesome comparative, gruesomest superlative, most gruesome superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The news report described the _____ scene at the crash site.
Etymology
Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Rhymes for gruesome
See all rhymes for gruesome →Frequently asked questions
What does “gruesome” mean?
The word “gruesome” means causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death. In plain terms, shockingly horrific or grisly, usually describing violence, injury, or death.
How do you pronounce “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is pronounced GROO-suhm (/ˈɡɹusəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “gruesome” in a sentence?
Here is “gruesome” used in a sentence: “The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site.”
What part of speech is “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gruesome” come from?
The word “gruesome” dates back to around 1800. Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Is “gruesome” a common word?
“Gruesome” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.