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

As Agathe comes to understand the extent of her troubles, Exarchopoulos’ performance achieves a sorrowful gravitas. —Jon Frosch, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2023

But this reboot had gravitas, for Larroquette at least. —Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 16 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

The nativity story is narrated by the Honorable Milton L. Wright, his voice and demeanor a blend of gravitas and compassion. —Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin gravitās "heaviness, weight, dignity, seriousness" — more at gravity

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above