adverb

gravely

seriously, solemnly, severely

He was gravely ill.

He was gravely ill.

She nodded gravely.

She nodded gravely.

((verb/adjective)) to be/do (sth.) gravely He was gravely ill.

Synonyms: seriously, severely, solemnly; Antonyms: lightly, cheerfully

From 'grave' (serious) + the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Grave' comes from Latin 'gravis' (heavy).

Think of the 'gravity' of a situation. If it's heavy, it's serious. 'Gravely' describes an action done with that seriousness.

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