noun
gravitas
GRAV-ih-tahs
noun
1
A serious and dignified manner that commands respect.
"The judge spoke with a quiet gravitas that silenced the room."
"Her years of experience gave her real gravitas in negotiations."
How to Use Gravitas
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dignified, serious presence that makes people take you seriously.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
add gravitas
political gravitas
a sense of gravitas
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The judge spoke with a quiet _____ that silenced the room.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin gravitās ("weight, heaviness") — a doublet of the English word "gravity".