grim
Translation
grim, bleak, stern, unyielding
Examples
The news from the front line was grim.
The news from the front line was grim.
He had a grim expression on his face.
He had a grim expression on his face.
They held on with grim determination.
They held on with grim determination.
Grammar Patterns
to be grim to be serious or depressing The news was grim.
a grim ((noun)) a serious or gloomy noun He had a grim expression.
with grim ((noun)) with unyielding noun They held on with grim determination.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bleak, stark, severe, gloomy; Antonyms: cheerful, pleasant, bright
Etymology
From Old English 'grimm' meaning 'fierce, cruel, savage'. Related to German 'grimmig'.
Memory Tips
It sounds like the 'Grim Reaper', the personification of death, who is always depicted as serious and forbidding.