Gravity

/ˈɡræv.ɪ.ti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The force by which a planet or other celestial body attracts objects toward its center.

The gravity of Earth is what keeps us anchored to the ground.

Seriousness or importance of a situation.

The gravity of the situation prompted immediate action from the authorities.

The weight or heaviness of an object.

The gravity of the large boulder made it difficult to move.

Derived from the Latin 'gravity', meaning 'weight'

gravity of the situation

The seriousness of a given situation.

take something lightly

To treat a serious matter in a casual way, in contrast to recognizing its gravity.

drop like a stone

To fall quickly due to the force of gravity.

mass

The amount of matter in an object, which is a key factor in gravity's effect.

weight

The force exerted on an object due to gravity.

force

Any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object.

To have a heavy impact or significance.

That decision really had gravity in the long run.

Something serious or heavy to deal with.

This task has a lot of gravity; we need to focus.