gravitas
noun
grav·i·tas
ˈgra-və-ˌtäs 
-ˌtas
: high seriousness (as in a person's bearing or in the treatment of a subject)
had the gravitas of a deep thinker
Did you know?
This word comes to us straight from Latin. Among the Romans, gravitas was thought to be essential to the character and functions of any adult (male) in authority. Even the head of a household or a low-level official would strive for this important quality. We use gravitas today to identify the same solemn dignity in men and women.
Examples of gravitas in a Sentence
The new leader has an air of gravitas that commands respect.
a comic actress who lacks the gravitas for dramatic roles
The new leader has a certain gravitas.
Recent Examples on the Web
But this reboot had gravitas, for Larroquette at least.
—
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2023
On the other hand, use of science within advertising somehow bestows upon the product a higher status, a gravitas, the excitement that this thing that the consumer must have is one of a kind, a rare breakthrough discovery.
—Chris Mooney, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2011
As Agathe comes to understand the extent of her troubles, Exarchopoulos’ performance achieves a sorrowful gravitas.
—Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2023
Henriksen plays his part to the hilt here, bringing a gravitas that few actors would consider bringing to the role of a shoot-'em-up movie villain.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gravitas 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2023
On the other hand, use of science within advertising somehow bestows upon the product a higher status, a gravitas, the excitement that this thing that the consumer must have is one of a kind, a rare breakthrough discovery.
—Chris Mooney, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2011
As Agathe comes to understand the extent of her troubles, Exarchopoulos’ performance achieves a sorrowful gravitas.
—Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2023
Henriksen plays his part to the hilt here, bringing a gravitas that few actors would consider bringing to the role of a shoot-'em-up movie villain.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for gravitas
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Dictionary Entries Near gravitas
Cite this Entry
“Gravitas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravitas. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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