: 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.
Example Sentences
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 WebHarrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Carmel Dagan, Variety, 16 Aug. 2022 Harrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Variety, NBC News, 16 Aug. 2022 That a sitting member of Congress would leave to run for secretary of state shows how the political gravitas of the job has spiked. David Montgomery, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2022 So the best piece of advice was to remember his gravitas. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Aug. 2022 Despite its historical gravitas, Athens has often been overlooked—cultural buffs head to Rome and vacationers to the Greek Islands. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 4 June 2022 Nostalgia fuels much of this demand along with the recognition that these designs have stood the test of time with their authenticity and engineering gravitas, qualities that are often lacking in this age of smart speakers and digital streaming. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2022 Eric Owens brought gravitas and excellent diction to King Marke; Simon O’Neill’s harsh, steely tenor made for a very long Act 3, which is basically Tristan dying. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 9 Aug. 2022 There has clearly been momentum for American cricket, which for so long has been seen as fool’s gold, and the power duo of Marathe and Higgins brought considerable gravitas. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 18 May 2022 See More