grievous
UK/'gri:vәs/US
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Very serious and severe; causing great pain or harm
极严重的；令人痛苦的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedgriev (grav 'heavy', via French) + -ous (full of) = 'full of heaviness,' i.e. painfully serious. A grievous wound or grievous error is a heavy, grave one. It is formal and strong — heavier than 'serious.'
Root grav still carries 18 more wordsUsage Guide
- Formal/legal: 'grievous bodily harm' (GBH) is a fixed legal term in British law.
- Pronunciation trap: it is GREE-vus (two syllables), not 'gree-vee-us.' The common mispronunciation 'grievious' is not a word.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The soldier suffered a grievous injury in the battle.
- 2.
Closing the factory was a grievous blow to the town.
- 3.
They made a grievous error in judgment.