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B1 noun #3,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

gravedad

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces gravedad en 30 secondes
Explication gravedad in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting your Spanish journey. 'Gravedad' is a word you might recognize because it looks like the English word 'gravity'. These are called cognates. In A1, you don't need to use this word in complex ways. You will mostly see it in very simple science contexts or when someone talks about things falling down. For example, 'La gravedad hace que las cosas caigan' (Gravity makes things fall). You should focus on two things: first, that it is a feminine noun, so we say 'la gravedad'. Second, it ends in '-dad', which is a very common ending in Spanish for words that end in '-ty' in English (like 'city' / 'ciudad'). Even if you don't use the word yourself, being able to recognize it when you see a picture of a planet or a falling apple is a great first step. You might also hear it in very simple medical contexts, but usually, at this level, you would use simpler words like 'mal' (bad) or 'enfermo' (sick) instead of 'gravedad'. Think of 'gravedad' as a 'bonus' word that helps you understand that Spanish and English share many scientific terms. Just remember: it's 'la' and it means the force that keeps us on the ground. If you can remember that, you are doing great!
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At the A2 level, you are beginning to build more descriptive sentences. You can start using 'gravedad' to describe the seriousness of basic problems. While A1 focused on the physical force, A2 allows you to use it in phrases like 'la gravedad del problema'. This shows you are moving beyond basic adjectives like 'grande' (big) or 'malo' (bad). You might use it to talk about news you heard or a mistake you made. For example, 'No entiendo la gravedad de la situación' (I don't understand the seriousness of the situation). At this level, you should also be aware of the adjective 'grave'. You will use 'grave' much more often than 'gravedad'. For instance, 'Es un problema grave' (It is a serious problem). Learning how the noun 'gravedad' and the adjective 'grave' work together is a key A2 skill. You should also practice the pronunciation. The 'v' in 'gravedad' should be soft, and the 'd' at the end is almost silent. If you can use 'gravedad' to talk about why things fall or to say that a situation is serious, you are successfully reaching the A2 milestones for this vocabulary word.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract concepts, and 'gravedad' is a perfect word for this. You should be comfortable using it in both its physical and metaphorical senses. In science, you might discuss 'la ley de la gravedad' or 'gravedad cero'. In daily life, you will use it to discuss the 'severity' of issues, especially in professional or medical settings. For example, 'El médico explicó la gravedad de la enfermedad'. You are also starting to use more complex sentence structures. Instead of just saying 'Es un problema', you can say 'Debido a la gravedad del asunto, necesitamos una reunión'. This level also introduces the idea of 'acting with gravity' (actuar con gravedad), meaning acting in a very serious or formal way. You should be able to distinguish between 'gravedad' and 'seriedad'. 'Seriedad' is about a person's character, while 'gravedad' is about the weight of a situation. You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'centro de gravedad' (center of gravity) and 'herido de gravedad' (seriously injured). Mastering these phrases will make your Spanish sound much more natural and mature. You are now using the word not just to name a force, but to add a specific level of intensity to your descriptions.
At the B2 level, your use of 'gravedad' should be precise and nuanced. you should be able to use it in formal writing and debates. For instance, you might argue about 'la gravedad de las consecuencias del cambio climático' (the severity of the consequences of climate change). At this stage, you should also understand the word's use in legal and administrative contexts. Phrases like 'la gravedad del delito' (the severity of the crime) or 'una falta de extrema gravedad' (a very serious offense) are common in news reports and formal documents. You should also be able to use the word to describe a person's demeanor in a more literary sense. 'Habló con una gravedad que nos asustó' (He spoke with a gravity that scared us). You are expected to know that 'gravedad' is often used in the medical 'triage' sense, where it refers to the critical nature of a patient's health. Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'gravitatorio' (gravitational) or the verb 'gravitar' (to gravitate). For example, 'Todo el sistema gravita en torno a esta idea' (The whole system revolves/gravitates around this idea). At B2, 'gravedad' is no longer just a noun; it's a tool for expressing complex levels of importance and physical interaction.
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At the C1 level, you are approaching a near-native understanding of 'gravedad'. You can use the word in its most abstract and metaphorical forms. You might discuss the 'gravedad' of a philosophical argument or the 'gravedad' of a historical moment. You understand that 'gravedad' can imply a certain 'weight' that influences everything around it, much like a physical mass. You should be comfortable using the word in high-level academic or professional discussions, such as 'la gravedad de la crisis institucional'. Furthermore, you should be aware of the literary uses of the word, where it might describe the atmosphere of a room or the tone of a classic novel. You can use it to create contrast: 'A pesar de la gravedad del tema, el autor mantiene un tono ligero' (Despite the seriousness of the topic, the author maintains a light tone). Your understanding of the word's etymology (from the Latin 'gravitas') helps you appreciate its connection to other words like 'agravante' (aggravating factor) or 'desagravio' (redress/amends). At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know the exact emotional and intellectual weight it carries in any given context, and you can use it to persuade, describe, and analyze with great precision.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'gravedad' is complete. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as physics, law, or medicine, with the same ease as a native speaker. You might use it in a legal brief to discuss 'la graduación de la gravedad de la culpa' or in a scientific paper regarding 'ondas de gravedad'. You also appreciate the subtle ironies or double meanings the word can have in sophisticated speech. For example, you might use it in a pun or a complex metaphor about 'la gravedad de la levedad'. You are familiar with obscure idioms or very formal expressions that use the word, and you can detect the slightest misuse of the word by others. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has shifted from purely physical to deeply psychological. In your own writing, you use 'gravedad' to provide a sense of authority and depth. You can effortlessly switch between the scientific 'fuerza de gravedad' and the behavioral 'gravedad en el semblante' (gravity in the countenance). For a C2 learner, 'gravedad' is a versatile and powerful word that you can deploy in any stylistic register to achieve a specific effect on your audience.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gravedad en 30 secondes

  • Gravedad is a feminine noun in Spanish meaning both physical 'gravity' and metaphorical 'seriousness' or 'severity'.
  • It is a direct cognate of English, making it easy to recognize but requiring care with its soft 'v' and 'd' sounds.
  • Used in medical, legal, and scientific contexts, it often appears in phrases like 'la gravedad del asunto' or 'estado de gravedad'.
  • It differs from 'seriedad' by implying a greater weight, danger, or formal consequence in a given situation.

The Spanish word gravedad is a multifaceted noun that English speakers will find remarkably intuitive due to its status as a direct cognate of the English word 'gravity'. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the physical force that attracts objects toward one another, specifically the force that keeps our feet planted on Earth. However, its utility in the Spanish language extends far beyond the realm of physics, permeating medical, legal, and social contexts to describe the intensity or seriousness of a situation. Understanding gravedad requires a dual appreciation of its scientific literalism and its metaphorical weight.

Physical Science
In a scientific context, it describes the universal force of attraction. For example, 'La ley de la gravedad' is the Law of Gravity. Scientists use it to discuss planetary orbits, falling objects, and the structural integrity of buildings.

Isaac Newton formuló la teoría de la gravedad tras observar una manzana caer.

Beyond the physical, gravedad is the go-to word for describing the 'seriousness' or 'severity' of an event. When a doctor discusses a patient's condition, they might refer to the 'gravedad de las heridas' (severity of the wounds). If a politician discusses a crisis, they emphasize the 'gravedad del asunto' (seriousness of the matter). This usage mirrors the English 'gravity of the situation', but it is arguably more common in daily Spanish conversation than its English counterpart.

Medical Context
Medical professionals use 'estado de gravedad' to indicate that a patient is in critical condition. It is a formal way to categorize the urgency of care needed.

El médico confirmó la gravedad de la infección pulmonar.

Finally, the word carries a connotation of 'solemnity' in behavior. A person who acts with gravedad is someone who is composed, serious, and perhaps a bit stern. This is often seen in literature or descriptions of formal ceremonies. It suggests a weightiness of character that commands respect. In summarize, whether you are talking about a falling apple, a deep wound, a national crisis, or a stoic judge, gravedad is the essential term to convey that something 'weighs' heavily on our physical or social reality.

Using gravedad correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun. It is almost always preceded by the article 'la'. Because it is an abstract concept in many of its uses, it often appears in prepositional phrases or as the subject of a sentence describing a state of being. Let's explore the various grammatical structures where this word thrives.

The 'De' Construction
The most common way to use 'gravedad' is followed by 'de' and then the thing that is serious. Structure: [La gravedad de] + [Noun].

No comprendes la gravedad de tus acciones en este momento.

In scientific phrasing, 'gravedad' often acts as a standalone subject. You will see it paired with verbs like 'atraer' (to attract), 'afectar' (to affect), or 'existir' (to exist). In these cases, it functions just like 'gravity' in English physics textbooks. For instance, 'La gravedad atrae los objetos hacia el centro de la Tierra.' Notice how the word maintains its feminine gender regardless of the context.

Describing Intensity
When used to describe the intensity of a problem, it is often paired with verbs like 'evaluar' (to evaluate), 'determinar' (to determine), or 'ignorar' (to ignore).

Los ingenieros están evaluando la gravedad de las grietas en el puente.

Another frequent pattern involves the preposition 'con' (with). To do something 'con gravedad' means to do it with a serious or solemn air. This is an adverbial use of the noun. 'El juez habló con gravedad' means the judge spoke seriously. This is a sophisticated way to add depth to your descriptions of people's actions. Finally, remember that 'gravedad' can be modified by adjectives such as 'extrema' (extreme), 'mínima' (minimal), or 'absoluta' (absolute) to specify the degree of the force or the seriousness.

The word gravedad is a staple of formal communication in the Spanish-speaking world. If you tune into a news broadcast in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you are almost guaranteed to hear it. News anchors use it to report on natural disasters, economic downturns, and legal proceedings. It provides a level of professional distance and weight that words like 'seriedad' might lack. In the media, 'la gravedad del suceso' (the seriousness of the event) is a standard phrase used to introduce breaking news of a significant nature.

In the Hospital
If you are ever in a Spanish-speaking clinical setting, 'gravedad' is the word used for triage. A 'paciente de gravedad' is someone in critical condition. It is a vital word for emergency services.

El parte médico indica que no hay gravedad en sus lesiones actuales.

In educational settings, specifically in science classes, gravedad is introduced early. Students learn about 'centro de gravedad' (center of gravity) and 'fuerza de gravedad' (force of gravity). If you visit a science museum like the 'CosmoCaixa' in Barcelona, the word will be plastered across exhibits explaining the laws of the universe. It is a fundamental building block of scientific literacy in Spanish.

Legal and Judicial
In a courtroom, a lawyer might argue about the 'gravedad del delito' (the severity of the crime) to influence the judge's sentencing. It is a technical term in the penal code.

Dada la gravedad de la falta, el empleado fue despedido de inmediato.

You will also hear it in cinematic and literary contexts. In science fiction movies dubbed into Spanish, characters often shout about 'perder la gravedad' (losing gravity) or 'gravedad cero' (zero gravity). In literature, authors use it to describe the heavy atmosphere of a funeral or a tense political meeting. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical reality of our planet and the emotional weight of our human experiences.

While gravedad is a cognate, English speakers often make subtle errors in its application. One common mistake is confusing the noun 'gravedad' with the adjective 'grave'. In English, we might say 'The situation is gravity', which is incorrect; we should say 'The situation is serious' or 'The gravity of the situation'. In Spanish, you must use 'La situación es grave' (adjective) or 'La gravedad de la situación' (noun). Using the noun where an adjective is required is a frequent slip-up for beginners.

Gender Confusion
Mistaking the gender of the noun. Because 'gravity' in English has no gender, learners sometimes say 'el gravedad'. Remember: nouns ending in -dad are almost always feminine.

Incorrect: El gravedad es fuerte. Correct: La gravedad es fuerte.

Another error involves over-relying on 'gravedad' when 'seriedad' or 'importancia' might be more appropriate. While 'gravedad' works for serious problems, using it for a lighthearted but important matter can sound overly dramatic. For example, if you are talking about the importance of a party, 'importancia' is better. 'Gravedad' implies a potential for negative consequences or a very formal atmosphere. If you use 'gravedad' to describe a small mistake, people might think you are being sarcastic or that the mistake is much worse than it actually is.

Prepositional Errors
Learners often forget the 'de' in phrases like 'la gravedad del asunto'. They might try to translate 'the situation's gravity' literally as 'la situación gravedad', which is ungrammatical.

Correcto: Debemos considerar la gravedad del problema antes de actuar.

Lastly, pronunciation can be a hurdle. In English, the 'v' in gravity is very distinct. In Spanish, the 'v' in gravedad is softer, often sounding closer to a 'b' when it appears between vowels. English speakers who over-enunciate the 'v' with their teeth on their lower lip will sound non-native. Aim for a softer, bilabial sound where the lips almost touch but don't quite create the friction of an English 'v'. Also, remember that the final 'd' is very soft, almost silent in many dialects, or sounds like a faint 'th' in Spain.

To truly master gravedad, you must know its neighbors. Spanish offers several words that share its semantic space but carry different nuances. Choosing the right one can elevate your Spanish from functional to fluent. The primary alternatives are 'seriedad', 'importancia', 'trascendencia', and 'solemnidad'. Each has its own specific 'weight' in conversation.

Seriedad vs. Gravedad
'Seriedad' refers to the quality of being serious or responsible. You can have a 'persona seria' (a serious person). 'Gravedad' is more intense and usually refers to the situation or a physical force. You wouldn't say a person has 'gravedad' unless they are behaving with extreme, almost ritualistic solemnity.

La seriedad del empleado es admirable, pero la gravedad de su error es preocupante.

'Importancia' is the most general term. Everything that is 'grave' is 'importante', but not everything 'importante' is 'grave'. A wedding is 'importante', but a car accident is 'grave'. Use 'importancia' for value and 'gravedad' for consequence. 'Trascendencia' is another high-level synonym, often used in political or philosophical contexts to describe the long-term impact or 'reach' of an event.

Solemnidad
This word is the closest to the 'behavioral' sense of 'gravedad'. It describes the formal, dignified quality of a ceremony or a speech. While 'gravedad' can feel heavy or even negative, 'solemnidad' is usually respectful.

El acto se celebró con gran solemnidad y gravedad.

In physics, you might also encounter 'atracción' or 'peso'. While 'gravedad' is the force, 'peso' is the measurement of that force on an object. In a metaphorical sense, we also use 'peso' (weight) to describe responsibility: 'El peso de la responsabilidad'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that provides the exact emotional or scientific 'weight' you intend to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'gravitas' was a Roman virtue representing a sense of responsibility and seriousness.

Guide de prononciation

UK ɡɾa.βe.ˈðað
US ɡɾa.βe.ˈðað
Last syllable (dad)
Rime avec
bondad ciudad verdad hermandad libertad amistad universidad calidad
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lip).
  • Making the final 'd' too hard or explosive.
  • Stressing the first syllable like 'GRA-vedad'.
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a tap.
  • Omitting the 'a' sound in the first syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct gender and spelling (-dad).

Expression orale 4/5

Soft 'v' and 'd' are tricky for native English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Distinctive enough to catch in news broadcasts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

peso caer fuerza serio tierra

Apprends ensuite

gravitar aceleración masa solemne agravante

Avancé

relatividad espaciotiempo órbita trascendental

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine nouns ending in -dad

La gravedad, la felicidad, la ciudad.

Nouns used as adverbs with 'con'

Habló con gravedad (Seriously).

Adjective-Noun agreement

La gravedad extrema (both feminine).

Preposition 'de' for possession/origin

La gravedad de Marte.

Use of 'ser' with characteristics

La gravedad es una fuerza constante.

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Exemples par niveau

1

La gravedad atrae las cosas al suelo.

Gravity attracts things to the ground.

Feminine noun 'la gravedad'.

2

En la Luna hay menos gravedad.

On the Moon, there is less gravity.

Use of 'hay' (there is/are).

3

La gravedad es una fuerza natural.

Gravity is a natural force.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

4

Sin gravedad, flotamos en el espacio.

Without gravity, we float in space.

Preposition 'sin' (without).

5

Me gusta aprender sobre la gravedad.

I like learning about gravity.

Verb 'gustar' with infinitive.

6

La gravedad de la Tierra es fuerte.

The Earth's gravity is strong.

Possessive 'de' construction.

7

La manzana cae por la gravedad.

The apple falls because of gravity.

Preposition 'por' indicating cause.

8

No podemos ver la gravedad.

We cannot see gravity.

Modal verb 'poder' in negative.

1

Él no entiende la gravedad del problema.

He doesn't understand the seriousness of the problem.

Direct object 'la gravedad'.

2

La gravedad de la situación es clara.

The seriousness of the situation is clear.

Adjective 'clara' matching 'gravedad'.

3

El médico habló sobre la gravedad de la gripe.

The doctor spoke about the severity of the flu.

Preposition 'sobre' (about).

4

Debemos medir la gravedad en el experimento.

We must measure the gravity in the experiment.

Infinitive 'medir' (to measure).

5

La falta de gravedad es un problema para los astronautas.

The lack of gravity is a problem for astronauts.

Phrase 'falta de' (lack of).

6

Ella camina con mucha gravedad hoy.

She walks with a lot of seriousness today.

Adverbial phrase 'con mucha gravedad'.

7

La gravedad del accidente nos asustó.

The severity of the accident scared us.

Preterite verb 'asustó'.

8

Es difícil explicar la gravedad a los niños.

It is difficult to explain gravity to children.

Indirect object 'a los niños'.

1

Dada la gravedad del asunto, llamaremos a la policía.

Given the seriousness of the matter, we will call the police.

Participle 'dada' acting as a preposition.

2

El paciente está en estado de gravedad.

The patient is in a critical state.

Fixed medical phrase 'estado de gravedad'.

3

La ley de la gravedad es universal.

The law of gravity is universal.

Scientific term 'ley de la gravedad'.

4

Actuó con tal gravedad que todos guardaron silencio.

He acted with such gravity that everyone kept silent.

Consecutive clause 'con tal... que'.

5

No ignores la gravedad de tus palabras.

Don't ignore the weight of your words.

Imperative 'no ignores'.

6

El centro de gravedad del coche es muy bajo.

The car's center of gravity is very low.

Technical term 'centro de gravedad'.

7

La gravedad de la crisis económica afecta a todos.

The severity of the economic crisis affects everyone.

Verb 'afectar' with personal 'a'.

8

Perdieron la gravedad y empezaron a flotar.

They lost gravity and began to float.

Verb 'perder' (to lose).

1

La gravedad del delito determinará la sentencia.

The severity of the crime will determine the sentence.

Future tense 'determinará'.

2

El experimento busca simular la gravedad de Marte.

The experiment seeks to simulate Mars' gravity.

Verb 'simular' (to simulate).

3

A pesar de la gravedad de la herida, sobrevivió.

Despite the severity of the wound, he survived.

Conjunction 'a pesar de' (despite).

4

La gravedad del clima extremo es preocupante.

The severity of the extreme weather is worrying.

Adjective 'preocupante' (worrying).

5

El orador mantuvo una gravedad absoluta durante el discurso.

The speaker maintained absolute gravity during the speech.

Modified noun 'gravedad absoluta'.

6

Debemos evaluar la gravedad de las grietas en el muro.

We must evaluate the severity of the cracks in the wall.

Infinitive 'evaluar' (to evaluate).

7

La gravedad de la situación requiere medidas urgentes.

The seriousness of the situation requires urgent measures.

Verb 'requerir' (to require).

8

La falta de gravedad afecta a la densidad ósea.

The lack of gravity affects bone density.

Scientific term 'densidad ósea'.

1

La trascendencia y gravedad de este momento histórico son innegables.

The significance and gravity of this historical moment are undeniable.

Coordinated nouns 'trascendencia y gravedad'.

2

El paciente fue trasladado debido a su extrema gravedad.

The patient was moved due to his extreme critical condition.

Phrase 'debido a' (due to).

3

La gravedad de su semblante revelaba su preocupación.

The gravity of his countenance revealed his concern.

Literary word 'semblante' (countenance).

4

Las ondas de gravedad fueron detectadas por los científicos.

Gravity waves were detected by scientists.

Passive voice 'fueron detectadas'.

5

No podemos subestimar la gravedad de las acusaciones.

We cannot underestimate the severity of the accusations.

Verb 'subestimar' (to underestimate).

6

El tono de gravedad que empleó enfrió el ambiente.

The grave tone he used chilled the atmosphere.

Relative clause 'que empleó'.

7

La gravedad del error administrativo costó millones.

The severity of the administrative error cost millions.

Verb 'costar' in the preterite.

8

La gravedad de la atmósfera en la sala era palpable.

The gravity of the atmosphere in the room was palpable.

Adjective 'palpable' (palpable/tangible).

1

La graduación de la gravedad de la pena depende del juez.

The determination of the severity of the penalty depends on the judge.

Legal terminology 'graduación de la gravedad'.

2

Su discurso estuvo imbuido de una gravedad casi religiosa.

His speech was imbued with an almost religious gravity.

Participle 'imbuido' (imbued).

3

La teoría general de la relatividad explica la gravedad.

The general theory of relativity explains gravity.

Complex scientific subject.

4

La gravedad de la infracción conlleva la inhabilitación.

The severity of the infraction entails disqualification.

Verb 'conllevar' (to entail).

5

Abordó el dilema ético con una gravedad encomiable.

He approached the ethical dilemma with commendable gravity.

Adjective 'encomiable' (commendable).

6

La gravedad de las heridas era incompatible con la vida.

The severity of the injuries was incompatible with life.

Medical-legal euphemism.

7

Se percibe una cierta gravedad en el devenir de los acontecimientos.

A certain gravity is perceived in the course of events.

Reflexive passive 'se percibe'.

8

La gravedad del silencio solo fue rota por un suspiro.

The gravity of the silence was only broken by a sigh.

Metaphorical use of 'gravedad'.

Collocations courantes

fuerza de gravedad
centro de gravedad
estado de gravedad
la gravedad del asunto
gravedad cero
extrema gravedad
ley de la gravedad
gravedad del delito
campo de gravedad
con gravedad

Phrases Courantes

herido de gravedad

— To be seriously injured, often used in news reports.

Tres personas resultaron heridas de gravedad.

revestir gravedad

— To be of a serious nature (formal).

Sus palabras revisten una gravedad inusitada.

perder la gravedad

— To lose gravity (literally or metaphorically).

Parecía que el mundo perdía la gravedad.

gravedad específica

— Specific gravity (technical density term).

Calculamos la gravedad específica del metal.

en función de la gravedad

— Depending on the severity.

Se actuará en función de la gravedad del problema.

sin gravedad

— Not serious (medical or situational).

Afortunadamente, el golpe fue sin gravedad.

gravedad artificial

— Artificial gravity.

La nave genera gravedad artificial.

atenuar la gravedad

— To lessen the severity of something.

Intentó atenuar la gravedad de su error.

calibrar la gravedad

— To gauge or measure the seriousness.

Es difícil calibrar la gravedad de la situación actual.

bajo la gravedad de

— Under the weight/seriousness of.

Bajo la gravedad de la promesa, no pudo mentir.

Souvent confondu avec

gravedad vs grave

Grave is the adjective (serious), while gravedad is the noun (seriousness).

gravedad vs grabado

Grabado means 'recorded' or 'engraved', sounding slightly similar but unrelated.

gravedad vs gratis

Gratis means 'free of charge', sometimes confused by very early beginners.

Expressions idiomatiques

"caer por su propio peso"

— To be obvious or inevitable (related to gravity's effect).

La verdad caerá por su propio peso.

informal
"ponerse grave"

— To become serious or to worsen (health).

La situación se puso grave de repente.

neutral
"darle gravedad a algo"

— To make something seem more serious than it is.

No le des tanta gravedad, no fue para tanto.

neutral
"estar entre la vida y la muerte"

— To be in a state of extreme gravity (medical).

Tras el choque, está entre la vida y la muerte.

dramatic
"pesarle a uno algo"

— To regret something (the 'weight' of gravity).

Me pesa la gravedad de mi traición.

literary
"no tener importancia"

— The opposite of having gravity.

Eso no tiene ninguna importancia.

neutral
"ser harina de otro costal"

— To be a different matter entirely (often used when switching to a 'graver' topic).

Eso ya es harina de otro costal.

colloquial
"tomarse algo a pecho"

— To take something very seriously.

Se tomó la gravedad de la crítica a pecho.

neutral
"hacer un mundo de algo"

— To exaggerate the seriousness (the gravity).

No hagas un mundo de un pequeño error.

informal
"mantener el tipo"

— To maintain one's 'gravity' or composure.

Mantuvo el tipo a pesar de la noticia.

neutral

Facile à confondre

gravedad vs seriedad

Both mean seriousness.

Seriedad is more about personality or character; gravedad is about the severity of an external situation or a physical force.

Su seriedad es natural, pero la gravedad de la noticia lo cambió.

gravedad vs peso

Both relate to gravity.

Gravedad is the force; peso is the measurement of that force on an object.

La gravedad determina tu peso.

gravedad vs importancia

Both indicate something matters.

Importancia is positive or neutral; gravedad usually implies a negative or critical situation.

La importancia del evento es clara, pero no tiene la gravedad de un juicio.

gravedad vs solemnidad

Both involve a serious tone.

Solemnidad is for ceremonies and formal rituals; gravedad is for serious consequences or physical force.

La boda tuvo solemnidad, pero el entierro tuvo gravedad.

gravedad vs severidad

Both mean severity.

Severidad is often about strictness of a person or a climate; gravedad is the state of a problem.

La severidad del profesor es conocida, pero la gravedad de su examen nos sorprendió.

Structures de phrases

A1

La gravedad es + adjective.

La gravedad es invisible.

A2

No hay + gravedad.

No hay gravedad en el espacio.

B1

La gravedad de + noun + es + adjective.

La gravedad del asunto es preocupante.

B2

Dada la gravedad de + noun...

Dada la gravedad de la lesión, no jugará.

C1

Habló/Actuó con + gravedad.

El presidente habló con gravedad sobre la guerra.

C2

La gravedad de + noun + conlleva + noun.

La gravedad del error conlleva su dimisión.

B1

Verbo + la gravedad.

Debemos medir la gravedad.

B2

A pesar de la gravedad...

A pesar de la gravedad, mantuvo la calma.

Famille de mots

Noms

gravitación
gravidez
gravitante

Verbes

gravitar
agravar

Adjectifs

grave
gravitatorio
gravitacional

Apparenté

peso
atracción
caída
seriedad
importancia
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news, science, and formal writing.

Erreurs courantes
  • El gravedad → La gravedad

    Nouns ending in -dad are feminine.

  • La situación es gravedad → La situación es grave

    Use the adjective 'grave' to describe a noun, not the noun 'gravedad'.

  • Pronouncing 'v' like English → Soft Spanish 'v'

    The English 'v' sound doesn't exist in Spanish; it's a soft 'b' sound.

  • La gravedad de situación → La gravedad de la situación

    Don't forget the definite article after 'de'.

  • Using 'gravedad' for 'seriedad' of a person → Su seriedad

    A person is 'serio', a situation is 'grave'.

Astuces

The -dad suffix

Remember that almost all English words ending in -ty become -dad in Spanish. Gravity -> Gravedad, City -> Ciudad, Liberty -> Libertad.

The Soft End

The final 'd' in 'gravedad' is so soft it almost disappears. If you say it too strongly, you will sound like you are struggling with the word.

Legal Language

In legal contexts, 'gravedad' is a technical term used to classify crimes. Learning it helps you understand Spanish news better.

Physics First

If you are interested in science, 'gravedad' is your gateway word to learning terms like 'masa', 'atracción' and 'espacio'.

Emergency Use

Knowing 'estado de gravedad' is crucial for medical emergencies. It tells the staff how urgent the situation is.

Formal Writing

Use 'la gravedad del asunto' instead of 'el problema es serio' to sound more professional in your Spanish writing.

Mental Weight

Think of 'gravedad' as a weight on your mind. If a problem feels heavy, it has 'gravedad'.

News Anchor Tone

Listen for the drop in pitch when news anchors say 'gravedad'. It signals that the following information is very important.

Global Spanish

This word is the same in all Spanish-speaking countries, from Spain to Chile, making it a very safe 'universal' word.

Link to Grave

Link 'gravedad' to 'grave' (serious/tomb). Both imply something heavy and deep.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a GRAVE. A grave is deep and serious, and gravity pulls things down into the ground near a grave.

Association visuelle

Imagine a heavy lead ball (gravedad) sitting on a delicate silk sheet (the situation).

Word Web

Fuerza Tierra Serio Problema Médico Espacio Peso Ley

Défi

Try to use 'gravedad' in a sentence about a science experiment and then in a sentence about a doctor's visit.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'gravitas', which means 'weight' or 'heaviness'.

Sens originel : The quality of being heavy.

Romance (Latin)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'gravedad' in medical contexts; it implies a very high level of danger.

English speakers often use 'seriousness' more than 'gravity', whereas Spanish speakers use 'gravedad' quite naturally in daily formal speech.

Ley de Gravitación Universal de Newton Película 'Gravity' (Gravedad) La gravedad del pecado (Religious context)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Science Class

  • centro de gravedad
  • fuerza de atracción
  • ley de Newton
  • gravedad terrestre

Hospital

  • estado de gravedad
  • heridas graves
  • pronóstico reservado
  • urgencia médica

Legal/Court

  • gravedad del delito
  • atenuantes
  • agravantes
  • sentencia firme

News/Media

  • gravedad del suceso
  • situación crítica
  • impacto social
  • medidas extremas

Space/Sci-Fi

  • gravedad cero
  • sin gravedad
  • traje espacial
  • estación orbital

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que entendemos realmente cómo funciona la gravedad?"

"¿Cuál es la gravedad de la crisis climática en tu opinión?"

"¿Alguna vez has sentido que una situación perdía su gravedad por un chiste?"

"¿Qué pasaría si la gravedad de la Tierra desapareciera por un minuto?"

"¿Cómo evalúas la gravedad de los errores que cometemos al aprender idiomas?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe un momento en el que comprendiste la gravedad de una decisión que tomaste.

Escribe sobre un experimento científico que involucre la fuerza de gravedad.

Reflexiona sobre cómo la gravedad de un problema puede cambiar con el tiempo.

Imagina un mundo sin gravedad y describe un día normal en ese lugar.

¿Qué importancia tiene mantener la gravedad en situaciones formales de tu cultura?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Es femenino. Siempre se dice 'la gravedad'. Esto es común para los sustantivos que terminan en '-dad'.

Usa 'gravedad' para situaciones críticas, peligrosas o científicas. Usa 'seriedad' para la personalidad de alguien o asuntos menos peligrosos.

Se dice 'gravedad cero'. Es una frase muy común en películas y ciencia.

Sí, pero solo para describir su comportamiento muy formal o serio: 'Él se comporta con gravedad'. No se usa para decir que alguien es 'grave' en su carácter diario.

En física es 'levedad'. En situaciones sociales es 'trivialidad' o 'ligereza'.

Sí, es un cognado perfecto del inglés 'gravity', lo que facilita mucho su aprendizaje para los angloparlantes.

Significa que alguien está seriamente herido y su vida podría estar en peligro. Es una frase típica de las noticias.

Se pronuncia suavemente, casi como una 'b' suave, sin que los dientes toquen el labio inferior.

No, sonaría muy extraño o sarcástico. Para una fiesta, usa 'importancia'.

Sí, existe, pero es muy poco común. Se usa a veces en contextos técnicos para comparar diferentes fuerzas gravitatorias.

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Escribe una oración usando 'gravedad' en un contexto científico.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escribe una oración usando 'gravedad' para describir un problema serio.

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writing

Traduce: 'The gravity of the situation is extreme.'

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writing

Escribe una frase sobre un astronauta y la gravedad.

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writing

Usa 'estado de gravedad' en una oración médica.

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writing

Explica qué es la gravedad en una frase corta.

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writing

Escribe una oración con 'centro de gravedad'.

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writing

Usa 'con gravedad' para describir cómo habla alguien.

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writing

Traduce: 'Without gravity, everything floats.'

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writing

Escribe una frase sobre la gravedad de un error.

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writing

Usa 'ley de la gravedad' en una oración.

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writing

Escribe una frase sobre la gravedad en Marte.

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writing

Traduce: 'The severity of the crime.'

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writing

Escribe una frase sobre 'ondas de gravedad'.

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writing

Usa 'perder la gravedad' en una frase creativa.

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writing

Escribe una oración con 'extrema gravedad'.

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writing

Traduce: 'Gravity attracts mass.'

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writing

Escribe sobre la gravedad de una enfermedad.

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writing

Usa 'gravedad artificial' en una frase de ciencia ficción.

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writing

Escribe una frase sobre el semblante y la gravedad.

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speaking

Pronuncia 'gravedad' enfatizando la última sílaba.

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speaking

Di la frase: 'La gravedad atrae las manzanas'.

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speaking

Explica en voz alta por qué la gravedad es importante.

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speaking

Pronuncia la 'v' en 'gravedad' de forma suave.

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speaking

Di la frase médica: 'Estado de gravedad'.

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speaking

Usa 'gravedad' en una pregunta para un amigo.

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speaking

Describe una escena de gravedad cero.

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speaking

Di: 'La gravedad del delito es alta'.

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speaking

Practica la rima: 'Gravedad y verdad'.

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speaking

Explica la diferencia entre peso y gravedad.

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speaking

Di: 'Centro de gravedad'.

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speaking

Usa 'gravedad' en una frase sobre el clima.

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speaking

Di: 'La ley de la gravedad'.

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speaking

Pronuncia 'gravedades' en plural.

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speaking

Di: 'Sin gravedad no hay vida'.

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speaking

Habla sobre un error serio usando 'gravedad'.

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speaking

Di: 'La gravedad es universal'.

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speaking

Usa 'con gravedad' en una frase sobre un profesor.

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speaking

Di: 'Ondas de gravedad'.

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speaking

Di: 'La gravedad del asunto'.

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listening

¿Qué palabra escuchas: gravedad o claridad?

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listening

Escucha la frase: 'La gravedad es fuerte'. ¿Qué es fuerte?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

¿El hablante dice 'grave' o 'gravedad'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Escucha: 'Estado de gravedad'. ¿Dónde estás?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

¿Cuántas veces escuchas la palabra 'gravedad' en este clip?

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listening

Identifica el tono: ¿Es serio o alegre al decir 'gravedad'?

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listening

¿Escuchas 'la gravedad' o 'el gravedad'?

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listening

Completa la frase escuchada: 'La ley de la ___.'

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listening

¿El hablante menciona a Newton?

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listening

Escucha: 'Sin gravedad flotamos'. ¿Qué pasa sin ella?

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listening

¿Se refiere a física o a un problema social?

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listening

¿Escuchas 'gravedad cero'?

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listening

¿El final de la palabra suena como 'dad' o 'tal'?

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listening

Escucha: 'Gravedad extrema'. ¿Es poco o mucho?

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listening

¿Quién habla: un científico o un niño?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

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