WordValegravity
the force that attracts objects toward one another
In more detail
1. (noun) the force that pulls objects toward the earth and holds them down
2. (noun) the seriousness or importance of something
Examples
- 1. Gravity pulls the ball down when you throw it into the air.
- 2. The doctors spoke with gravity about the patient's condition.
How to use gravity
Gravity has two distinct uses: the physical force pulling objects downward (scientific, neutral register) and the seriousness or weight of a matter (formal register). In the second sense, it often appears in phrases like 'the gravity of the situation' to emphasize how serious something is. This metaphorical use comes from the physical sense of weight and heaviness.
Common phrases
- the force of gravity
- center of gravity
- gravity well
- the gravity of the situation
- defy gravity
- earth's gravity
Synonyms
weight · pull · force · seriousness · importance
Opposites
levity · frivolity · lightness
Word family
gravitational · gravitationally · gravitate · gravitates
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'gravity' (the seriousness of something) with 'gravy,' or forget that the adjective is 'gravitational' rather than 'gravitic' when describing something related to the force.
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