gravity

noun

grav·​i·​ty ˈgra-və-tē 

plural gravities

often attributive

1

a

: dignity or sobriety of bearing

a person of gravity and learning

b

: importance, significance

especially : seriousness

the gravity of the offense

c

: a serious situation or problem

2

: weight

3

a(1)

: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface

(2)

: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, between aggregations of matter (such as stars and planets), and between particles (such as photons) and aggregations of matter, that is 10^-39 times the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over macroscopic distances especially between aggregations of matter

called also gravitation, gravitational force

compare electromagnetism sense 2a, strong force, weak force

b

: acceleration of gravity

c

: specific gravity

Synonyms

• earnest
• earnestness
• graveness
• intentness
• serious-mindedness
• seriousness
• soberness
• sobriety
• solemnity
• solemnness
• staidness

Examples of gravity in a Sentence

the hospital waiting room was filled with the kind of gravity that inevitably accompanies worry

Recent Examples on the Web

The real-life developments have lent new gravity to the film's depiction of the papal election process—a secretive, tradition-laden event now in motion in Rome. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

At each vote, a cardinal will write his choice on a piece of paper, process up to Michaelangelo’s giant fresco of the last judgment – which serves as a reminder of the gravity and sacredness of their responsibility – and drop his ballot in a chalice. —Peter Pinedo, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

As this internal battle that has raged for billions of years ends (with gravity triumphant), the core of the massive star collapses, sending shockwaves blasting into its outer layers. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025

But it’s also cushioned him from the gravity of his people’s plight and from consideration for how his comments can come off. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French gravité "heaviness, weight, dignity, seriousness," borrowed from Latin gravitāt-, gravitās "heaviness, weight, oppressiveness, severity, dignity, seriousness," from gravis "heavy, weighty, oppressive, serious" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at grave entry 2

First Known Use

1505, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gravity

• acceleration of gravity
• center of gravity
• gravity wave
• specific gravity
• zero gravity

Rhymes for gravity

• cavity
• concavity
• depravity
• intracavity
• microgravity
• supergravity

Kids Definition

gravity

noun

grav·​i·​ty ˈgrav-ət-ē 

plural gravities

1

a

: the quality or state of being dignified and proper

b

: the quality or state of being important or serious

2

: weight

3

a

: the gravitational attraction of the mass of a heavenly body (as the earth) for bodies at or near its surface

b

: a force of attraction between particles or bodies that occurs because of their mass, is stronger as mass is increased, and is weaker as the distance between the objects is increased

c

: acceleration of gravity

Etymology

from early French gravité or Latin gravitas, both meaning "the quality or state of being serious or dignified, the quality of being weighty," from Latin gravis "heavy, serious" — related to aggravate, grave entry 3, grieve

Medical Definition

gravity

noun

grav·​i·​ty ˈgrav-ət-ē 

plural gravities

1

: weight sense 1

—used chiefly in the phrase center of gravity

2

a

: the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface

broadly : gravitation

b

: acceleration of gravity

c

: specific gravity

gravity adjective