Grave

Definition

Grave can refer to a place of burial or describe something serious in nature.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡreɪv/
• Respelling: GRAYV (with "GRAY" as in "gray" and "V" as in "very")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡreɪv/
• Respelling: GRAYV (with "GRAY" as in "gray" and "V" as in "very")

In both dialects, "grave" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GRAYV."

Etymology

Derived from Old English grafan ("to dig, carve"), related to Old Norse graƿa ("to dig, grave, engrave"). For the adjective, from Old French grave, from Latin gravis ("heavy").

Derivatives

• Gravely (adverb)
• Gravitas (noun)
• Gravity (noun)
• Engrave (verb)
• Graven (adjective, archaic for engraved)

Synonyms

• Tomb (noun)
• Serious (adjective)
• Engrave (verb)

Antonyms

• None (for the noun)
• Frivolous (for the adjective)
• Trivial (for the adjective)

Usage

The term "grave" is used in various contexts, from describing burial places to characterizing serious situations or tones. As a verb, it refers to the act of engraving or carving.

Related Terms

• Cemetery
• Burial
• Sepulchre
• Mortuary
• Mausoleum

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A Place for Burial: A place where a dead body is buried, typically in the ground, marked with a tombstone or other monument.
  • Example: They visited the grave of their ancestors during the memorial ceremony.

Adjective

• Serious or Solemn: Describing a situation or expression that is serious, important, or marked by deep concern.
  • Example: The doctor had a grave expression as he delivered the bad news.

Verb

• To Carve or Engrave: To cut or carve (words, symbols, etc.) into a surface.
  • Example: The artist graved intricate patterns onto the metal plate.