noun

gravity

gravity, seriousness

Gravity keeps the planets in orbit.

Gravity keeps the planets in orbit.

He didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

He didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

the ((gravity)) of sth. the seriousness of something He didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

((gravity)) as a physical force Gravity keeps the planets in orbit.

Synonyms: (force) pull; (seriousness) importance. Antonyms: (seriousness) levity

From Latin 'gravitas' meaning 'weight, heaviness, seriousness', from 'gravis' (heavy).

Connect the two meanings: the physical 'heaviness' of an object (gravity) and the 'heaviness' of a situation (gravity).

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.