grievous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
grievous Word Meanings
- causing great pain or suffering
- serious or severe
- a matter of deep concern or sorrow
grievous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
grievous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡriːvəs/
US
/ˈɡrivəs/
grievous Word Etymology
Root decomposition: griev- (from 'grief') + -ous (suffix for quality). Historical origin: Latin 'gravis' (heavy) → Old French 'grevieux' → English. Memory image: Imagine a heavy burden of sorrow that weighs down on someone, representing deep sadness and seriousness.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Grievous is a formal adjective describing causes of great pain or suffering, or serious harm and consequence. It flags a weighty severity that goes beyond ordinary trouble, and is commonly found in legal, journalistic, or literary contexts. You can say grievous injuries, grievous losses, or grievous mistakes, and in fiction or debate it signals moral weight or deep concern. The memory image is a heavy burden of sorrow weighing on someone, making consequences feel unavoidable and morally significant. While it can describe events, it emphasizes their gravity and the lasting impact rather than mere inconvenience.
Usage Reminders
- Use grievous for severe harm or sorrow, not casual mistakes.
- It is formal; reserve for serious stakes or legal language.
- Pair with nouns like injury, loss, harm, consequence.
- Distinguish from grave, serious, severe by intensity and context.
- Check tone: avoid overusing in everyday talk.
Common Misconceptions
- It means 'deadly' or 'catastrophic' in all contexts.
- It describes feelings rather than events.
- It can be used for everyday annoyances.
- It's interchangeable with 'serious' in casual speech.
- People confuse it with 'grieving' as a verb.
Thinking Differences
English learners should note that grievous is formal and stronger than serious or severe. It often collocates with concrete harms (injury, harm, loss) and with abstract consequences. It is not used for minor mistakes or everyday discomfort, and misusing it can sound pretentious.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations: grievous injury, grievous loss, grievous consequences
- contrast with grave/serious/severe to grasp strength
- read formal texts to see tone in context
- practice creating sentences in news/legal style
- visualize the heavy burden image to recall intensity
- avoid using in casual talk unless the context is formal
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'grievous'?
A.Causing great pain or sorrow
B.A type of fruit
C.An exciting event
D.A style of dance
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'grievous' correctly?
A.The kitten was grievous to play with.
B.He had a grievous interest in sports.
C.The grievous loss of her friend left her heartbroken.
D.She found the movie grievous and entertaining.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'grievous'?
A.Carefree
B.Joyful
C.Serious
D.Lighthearted
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'grievous'?
A.Harmful
B.Severe
C.Benign
D.Dire
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is grievous?
A.The accident resulted in grievous injuries to several people.
B.The team celebrated their victory.
C.She enjoyed the music festival with friends.
D.The children laughed while playing in the park.
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