Definition

Noun: 1. Dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner: A quality of substance, depth, and serious importance in a person's character, bearing, or style that commands respect.

Usage

"Gravitas" is an uncountable noun used to describe a highly respected quality in a person, especially in professional or leadership contexts. It implies a weightiness of character that inspires trust and authority. It is often used with verbs like have, display, show, lack, or bring.

Examples

• The new CEO addressed the crisis with a calm gravitas that reassured the entire company.
• Her extensive experience in diplomacy lends her arguments considerable gravitas.
• The young politician was intelligent but was often criticized for lacking the gravitas expected of a statesman.
• He brought a certain gravitas to the role of judge.

Advanced Usage

• "to lend gravitas to something": To give an event, statement, or position an aura of seriousness and importance.
  • The presence of several Nobel laureates lent gravitas to the academic conference.

Variants and Related Words

• Gravitate (verb): To move toward or be attracted to something.
  • Conversation always seems to gravitate back to politics.
• Gravity (noun): While primarily meaning the physical force, it can also mean extreme importance or seriousness.
  • She understood the gravity of the situation.

Synonyms

• Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
• Solemnity: The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
• Sobriety: The state of being serious, solemn, or grave.
• Authority: The power to influence others, especially because of commanding manner or recognized knowledge.
• Stature: Importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement.

Antonyms

• Frivolity: Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness.
• Levity: Humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor.
• Lightness: Lack of seriousness or depth.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To carry oneself with gravitas": To behave and present oneself in a manner that conveys dignity and seriousness.
  • Despite the chaos, the general carried himself with gravitas.

Noun

1. formality in bearing and appearance
   • he behaved with great dignity