This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Spanish
Vocabulary
gravemente

B1 adverb #3,500 most common 11 min read

gravemente

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips gravemente in 30 Seconds

Explanation gravemente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'gravemente' very often, but you might see it in simple news headlines or hear it in medical contexts. It is a long word, but it is easy to remember because it looks like the English word 'grave.' Think of it as a very strong version of 'muy mal' (very bad). If someone is 'gravemente herido,' they are not just 'hurt' (herido), they are 'very, very hurt.' At this level, just focus on recognizing the word and knowing that it means something is serious or severe. You don't need to worry about the grammar of adverbs yet; just remember that '-mente' usually means '-ly' in English. So, 'gravemente' is 'gravely' or 'seriously.' If you see a sign that says 'Peligro: Gravemente tóxico,' it means 'Danger: Seriously toxic,' and you should stay away!

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about how to describe things in detail. 'Gravemente' is an adverb of manner. This means it tells us *how* something happened. It comes from the adjective 'grave' (serious). In Spanish, to make an adverb, we take the adjective and add '-mente.' Since 'grave' is the same for boys and girls (masculine and feminine), we just add the ending: grave + mente = gravemente. You will use this word when you want to talk about accidents or health problems in a more adult way. Instead of saying 'El hombre está muy, muy enfermo,' you can say 'El hombre está gravemente enfermo.' It sounds more professional and precise. You might also hear it when people talk about the weather, like a 'storm that severely damaged the town' (una tormenta que dañó gravemente al pueblo).

As a B1 learner, you should be able to use 'gravemente' to add nuance to your descriptions. This word is essential for discussing social issues, health, and current events. You should understand that 'gravemente' is more intense than 'seriamente.' While 'seriamente' can be used for things like 'thinking seriously' (pensar seriamente), 'gravemente' is reserved for things that have a negative, heavy impact. For example, 'La crisis afectó gravemente a las familias.' You should also start noticing its placement in sentences. It usually comes after the verb: 'El paciente empeoró gravemente.' In the passive voice, which you are starting to learn, it often goes in the middle: 'Fue gravemente herido.' Using this word correctly shows that you are moving away from basic vocabulary and starting to use more specific, academic terms.

At the B2 level, 'gravemente' should be a regular part of your vocabulary, especially in writing and formal speaking. You should be aware of its collocations—words that it is naturally paired with. Common pairs include 'herido gravemente,' 'afectar gravemente,' 'ofender gravemente,' and 'dañar gravemente.' You should also be able to distinguish it from other adverbs like 'severamente' or 'críticamente.' For instance, you would use 'severamente' for a punishment from a judge, but 'gravemente' for the damage caused by a crime. At this level, you should also be careful with the 'false friend' trap; don't use 'gravemente' to mean 'solemnly' unless the context specifically supports a sense of 'heavy importance.' Your use of 'gravemente' should reflect an understanding of the gravity and consequences of the situation you are describing.

For C1 learners, 'gravemente' is a stylistic tool. You understand its weight and use it to create emphasis in formal reports, essays, and debates. You are aware that in high-level Spanish writing, using too many '-mente' adverbs can make the prose feel 'heavy' or repetitive. Therefore, you might occasionally swap 'gravemente' for phrases like 'de manera grave,' 'de forma preocupante,' or 'en grado sumo' to maintain a sophisticated style. You also understand the subtle legal and medical implications. In a legal text, 'gravemente' might define the category of a felony. In a medical journal, it describes a specific level of physiological instability. You can use the word metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism to describe a 'severely wounded democracy' or a 'critically damaged reputation,' knowing exactly how much emotional and logical weight the word carries.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'gravemente.' You use it with precision, recognizing the historical and etymological roots that tie it to the concept of 'weight' (from the Latin *gravis*). You can identify when the word is being used with irony or in highly specialized jargon. You are capable of translating complex English nuances of 'severely,' 'gravely,' 'critically,' and 'seriously' into the exact Spanish equivalent, choosing 'gravemente' only when it perfectly captures the structural or vital severity of the situation. Your use of the word is seamless in both high-stakes professional environments—such as delivering a medical prognosis or a legal defense—and in deep literary analysis. You also understand how the word functions within the broader system of Spanish intensifiers, using it to anchor the most serious points of your discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

gravemente in 30 Seconds

Gravemente is a Spanish adverb meaning 'seriously' or 'severely,' typically used in medical, legal, and formal contexts to describe high-intensity negative situations.
It is formed by adding the suffix '-mente' to the adjective 'grave,' which means heavy or serious, maintaining the 'e' from the root word.
Commonly pairs with verbs like 'herir' (to wound), 'dañar' (to damage), and 'afectar' (to affect) to emphasize the critical nature of an event.
Unlike 'seriamente,' which can mean 'not joking,' 'gravemente' almost always refers to the severity of a condition or the weight of a consequence.

The Spanish adverb gravemente is a powerful tool used to describe actions or states that occur with a high degree of severity, intensity, or seriousness. Derived from the Latin root gravis, meaning 'heavy,' the word literally conveys the weight of a situation. In English, we most often translate it as 'seriously,' 'severely,' or 'critically.' While 'seriamente' is a common synonym, gravemente carries a specific connotation of physical, moral, or structural danger that 'seriamente' sometimes lacks. For example, if someone is 'seriamente' considering a job offer, they are thinking about it with focus; however, if someone is 'gravemente' injured, their life may be at risk. This distinction is crucial for learners reaching the B1 level and beyond.

Medical Context: This is perhaps the most frequent use. It describes the state of a patient or the nature of an injury. It indicates that medical intervention is urgent and the prognosis might be guarded.
Legal and Ethical Impact: When a law is broken or a person's reputation is harmed, we use 'gravemente' to emphasize the depth of the violation. It suggests that the consequences are not trivial.

El conductor resultó herido gravemente tras el choque frontal en la autopista.

Beyond physical harm, the word extends into the abstract realms of economics and sociology. When an economy is 'gravemente' affected, it implies widespread recession or systemic failure. It is a word of warning. When you hear it in the news, it signals that the topic is of peak importance. It is not a word for casual, lighthearted conversation unless used ironically, which is rare in Spanish compared to English. Understanding the 'weight' of this adverb helps you navigate formal reports, medical updates, and serious literature where the stakes are high.

La contaminación ha dañado gravemente el ecosistema de este río cristalino.

Social Reproach: If someone's behavior 'ofende gravemente' (severely offends), it implies a breach of social contracts or deep personal disrespect that requires significant apology or restitution.

In summary, 'gravemente' is the adverb of choice when you want to emphasize that something is not just 'a bit' bad, but 'critically' bad. It serves as an intensifier that demands the listener's full attention. Whether you are reading a medical report or a news article about climate change, this word acts as a red flag for severity.

No podemos ignorar que la situación económica está empeorando gravemente.

Using gravemente correctly requires understanding its placement and the verbs it typically modifies. As an adverb of manner, it usually follows the verb it describes, but in complex sentences, it can also precede the past participle in passive constructions. Because it is a 'heavy' word, it is rarely used with light verbs like 'hacer' or 'tener' unless they are part of a specific phrase. Instead, it pairs with verbs of impact, damage, injury, and offense.

With Verbs of Injury: The most common structure is [Verb] + gravemente. Common verbs include 'herir' (to wound), 'lesionar' (to injure), and 'enfermar' (to fall ill).

El ciclista fue golpeado por un coche y ahora se encuentra gravemente herido.

Another frequent use is with verbs that describe negative influence or damage, such as 'afectar' (to affect), 'dañar' (to damage), or 'perjudicar' (to harm). In these cases, 'gravemente' serves to quantify the extent of the damage. For instance, saying 'la sequía afectó las cosechas' (the drought affected the crops) is a neutral statement. Adding 'gravemente' transforms it into a disaster scenario.

Sus palabras insultantes ofendieron gravemente a los invitados de la ceremonia.

In Passive Voice: In formal writing, you will often see it between the auxiliary 'ser' and the participle: 'El edificio fue gravemente dañado por el terremoto.'

In terms of tone, 'gravemente' is professional and objective. It is the language of doctors, lawyers, and journalists. If you use it in everyday speech, people will immediately understand that you are talking about something of high consequence. It is also important to note that 'gravemente' does not change for gender or number, as it is an adverb. Whether you are talking about one woman or ten men, the word remains exactly the same.

La reputación de la empresa se ha visto gravemente comprometida por el escándalo.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. Unlike 'muy mal' (very badly), which is colloquial, 'gravemente' implies a clinical or official assessment. It removes the subjectivity and replaces it with a sense of undeniable fact. If a doctor says a patient is 'gravemente' ill, it is a diagnosis, not just an opinion. This makes it a vital word for anyone needing to communicate clearly in serious situations.

El presupuesto para la educación ha sido gravemente reducido este año escolar.

If you turn on the news in any Spanish-speaking country—be it TVE in Spain, CNN en Español, or local news in Mexico City—you will hear gravemente almost daily. It is the cornerstone of reporting on accidents, natural disasters, and political crises. Broadcasters use it to convey the urgency of a situation without resorting to sensationalist slang. It provides a formal 'weight' to the reporting.

News Media: Journalists use it to describe the state of victims after a catastrophe: 'Cinco personas resultaron gravemente heridas en el incendio.'

El primer ministro advirtió que la paz regional está gravemente amenazada.

In a hospital setting, you will hear this word in the intensive care unit (ICU) or during medical briefings. Doctors use it to categorize the status of a patient. If a patient is 'estable dentro de la gravedad' (stable within a serious condition), it means they are 'gravemente' ill but not currently getting worse. This nuance is vital for family members and medical staff to understand the level of care required.

El informe técnico indica que la estructura del puente está gravemente deteriorada.

Legal Proceedings: Lawyers use the term to describe the impact of a crime on a victim or society. An 'ofensa gravemente punible' is a severely punishable offense.

Environmental documentaries often feature this word to describe the state of our planet. Narrators talk about how climate change 'afecta gravemente' biodiversity or how plastic pollution is 'dañando gravemente' the oceans. It serves as a call to action, emphasizing that the damage is not just cosmetic but structural and potentially irreversible.

Los científicos temen que el deshielo polar altere gravemente las corrientes marinas.

Lastly, in formal business meetings, if a project is 'gravemente' delayed, it is a signal that drastic measures are needed. It is not a simple 'late'; it is a delay that threatens the viability of the entire project. In all these contexts, 'gravemente' acts as a linguistic marker for 'this is a critical situation that requires immediate attention.'

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing gravemente with 'seriamente.' While they are often interchangeable in English as 'seriously,' in Spanish, they have distinct 'homes.' 'Seriamente' is more about the attitude of the subject (e.g., 'hablar seriamente'), whereas 'gravemente' is about the severity of the consequence (e.g., 'dañar gravemente').

Mistake: Using it for 'Not Joking': If you want to say 'I'm serious' or 'I'm not joking,' do NOT say 'Estoy gravemente.' Instead, say 'Hablo en serio' or 'Lo digo en serio.'

Incorrecto: El profesor habló gravemente sobre la tarea. (Unless he was dying while speaking!)

Another error involves the 'false friend' aspect. In English, 'grave' can mean a tomb. Some learners mistakenly think 'gravemente' might mean 'solemnly' or 'like a ghost.' While it can imply solemnity in very specific literary contexts, its primary meaning is almost always related to physical or metaphorical 'weight' and 'severity.' Don't use it to describe a quiet or spooky atmosphere.

Correcto: La economía se vio gravemente afectada por la inflación.

Spelling Errors: Learners often try to add an 'a' (gravamente) because they think all adverbs come from feminine adjectives ending in 'a.' But 'grave' is an invariable adjective, so the adverb is 'gravemente.'

Finally, be careful with the register. Using 'gravemente' in a light conversation about a minor mistake can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. If you spill a little coffee, don't say you 'ensuciaste gravemente' the table. 'Un poco' or 'bastante' would be more appropriate. Reserve 'gravemente' for when the stakes are genuinely high, such as in professional reports or discussions about safety and health.

Incorrecto: Me duele gravemente el dedo porque me pinché con un papel.

To truly master gravemente, you should know its neighbors. Spanish is a rich language with many ways to express intensity. Depending on whether you are talking about a physical injury, a moral failing, or a technical error, you might choose a different adverb to be more precise.

Severamente: Often used for punishments or strict rules. 'Fue severamente castigado' (He was severely punished). It implies a harsh authority.
Críticamente: Very common in medical and technical contexts. 'El sistema falló críticamente.' It suggests a tipping point or a state of crisis.
Seriamente: The most versatile alternative. It can mean 'in a serious manner' or 'earnestly.' 'Estamos considerando seriamente mudarnos.'

Comparación: 'Herido gravemente' (Life at risk) vs. 'Herido levemente' (Minor scratch).

In legal or formal writing, you might encounter 'de modo grave' or 'de manera grave.' These phrases mean the same thing but can help avoid the repetitive use of adverbs ending in '-mente,' which is considered poor style in high-level Spanish literature. Another powerful alternative is 'profundamente' (profoundly), used when the impact is emotional or intellectual rather than physical.

El suministro de agua se ha visto seriamente comprometido por la rotura de la tubería principal.

When discussing health, 'en estado crítico' is a common phrase that functions similarly to 'gravemente enfermo.' While 'gravemente' is an adverb, 'en estado crítico' is a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective. Choosing between them often depends on whether you want to focus on the action of falling ill or the state of being ill.

Dramáticamente: Be careful! In English, 'dramatically' often means 'a lot.' In Spanish, 'dramáticamente' usually means 'in a tragic or theatrical way.' It is not a direct substitute for 'gravemente' in statistical contexts.

By learning these nuances, you can tailor your Spanish to be more precise. If a friend is just a little sick, use 'un poco mal.' If they have a high fever, use 'bastante enfermo.' Only if they are being rushed to the emergency room should you use 'gravemente.' This precision is what marks a truly advanced speaker.

Aquella decisión perjudicó gravemente sus posibilidades de ascenso.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' actually started as a separate word in Latin. Instead of an adverb, speakers would say 'sacra mente' (with a sacred mind). Over centuries, these two words fused into one adverbial ending in Spanish, Italian, and French.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɾa.βeˈmen.te/

US /ɡɾa.βeˈmen.te/

The primary stress is on the 'men' syllable (the penult of the suffix).

Rhymes With

fuertemente claramente lentamente rápidamente fácilmente dificilmente mente presente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lower lip). In Spanish, it should be bilabial.
Adding an English 'r' sound.
Stressing the 'gra' syllable instead of 'men'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'i' (like 'ee'). It should be 'eh'.
Adding a 'y' sound between 'e' and 'm'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'grave' and the suffix '-mente'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of when to use it versus 'seriamente' or 'severamente'.

Speaking 3/5

The bilabial 'v' and the trilled/tapped 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound and often used in clear, formal speech like news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

grave mente serio herido enfermo

Learn Next

severamente críticamente levedad agravamiento gravedad

Advanced

gravamen agravio desagravio gravoso soberanía

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with -mente

grave (adjective) + mente = gravemente (adverb).

Invariable Adverbs

Ellos están gravemente heridos (not gravementes).

Adverb Placement after Verb

El paciente sufre gravemente.

Adverb Placement in Passive Voice

Fue gravemente herido (between auxiliary and participle).

Adjectives ending in 'e' don't change for -mente

fuerte -> fuertemente; grave -> gravemente.

Examples by Level

El gato está gravemente enfermo.

The cat is seriously ill.

Gravemente describes how sick the cat is.

Él está gravemente herido.

He is seriously injured.

Gravemente comes after the verb 'está' and the adjective 'herido'.

No bebas eso, es gravemente tóxico.

Don't drink that, it is seriously toxic.

Gravemente emphasizes the danger.

El coche está gravemente dañado.

The car is seriously damaged.

Used here to describe physical damage.

La tormenta afectó gravemente la casa.

The storm seriously affected the house.

Afectó is the past tense of afectar.

Ella camina gravemente hacia el hospital.

She walks seriously/solemnly toward the hospital.

Here it describes her manner of walking.

El agua está gravemente sucia.

The water is seriously dirty.

Emphasizes the level of dirtiness.

El niño llora gravemente.

The boy cries seriously (deeply).

Describes the intensity of the crying.

El paciente fue llevado al hospital porque estaba gravemente herido.

The patient was taken to the hospital because he was seriously injured.

Uses 'porque' to explain the reason.

La contaminación daña gravemente el aire de la ciudad.

Pollution seriously damages the city's air.

Present tense showing a general fact.

Si no estudias, esto perjudicará gravemente tus notas.

If you don't study, this will seriously harm your grades.

Future tense 'perjudicará'.

El bosque fue gravemente quemado por el incendio.

The forest was seriously burned by the fire.

Passive voice: fue + adverb + participle.

Sus palabras me ofendieron gravemente.

His/her words seriously offended me.

Direct object 'me' before the verb.

El terremoto dañó gravemente muchos edificios antiguos.

The earthquake seriously damaged many old buildings.

Preterite tense for a completed action.

Él habla gravemente sobre el futuro del planeta.

He speaks seriously about the future of the planet.

Describes the manner of speaking.

La falta de lluvia está afectando gravemente a los agricultores.

The lack of rain is seriously affecting the farmers.

Present continuous: está afectando.

La reputación del político se vio gravemente comprometida tras el escándalo.

The politician's reputation was seriously compromised after the scandal.

Passive reflexive 'se vio'.

Es necesario actuar ahora porque el ecosistema está gravemente amenazado.

It is necessary to act now because the ecosystem is seriously threatened.

Adjective 'amenazado' modified by 'gravemente'.

El accidente de tráfico dejó a varias personas gravemente lesionadas.

The traffic accident left several people seriously injured.

Verb 'dejar' used to describe a resulting state.

La crisis económica ha afectado gravemente al sector turístico.

The economic crisis has seriously affected the tourism sector.

Present perfect tense.

No podemos permitir que se ofenda gravemente a las minorías.

We cannot allow minorities to be seriously offended.

Subjunctive 'se ofenda' after 'permitir que'.

El médico dijo que el estado del paciente es gravemente inestable.

The doctor said the patient's condition is seriously unstable.

Indirect speech.

La estructura del puente se ha deteriorado gravemente con los años.

The bridge's structure has deteriorated seriously over the years.

Reflexive 'se ha deteriorado'.

Su salud se vio gravemente deteriorada por el estrés laboral.

His/her health was seriously deteriorated by work stress.

Use of 'por' to indicate the cause.

El informe advierte que la biodiversidad está siendo gravemente reducida.

The report warns that biodiversity is being seriously reduced.

Passive continuous 'está siendo reducida'.

Cualquier error en este cálculo podría perjudicar gravemente el proyecto.

Any error in this calculation could seriously jeopardize the project.

Conditional 'podría'.

La libertad de prensa ha sido gravemente restringida en ese país.

Freedom of the press has been seriously restricted in that country.

Passive voice with 'ha sido'.

El juez consideró que el acusado había herido gravemente los sentimientos de la víctima.

The judge considered that the accused had seriously hurt the victim's feelings.

Past perfect 'había herido'.

Las inundaciones han alterado gravemente el curso natural del río.

The floods have seriously altered the natural course of the river.

Perfect tense.

Se sospecha que la empresa ha estado contaminando gravemente el acuífero.

It is suspected that the company has been seriously polluting the aquifer.

Present perfect continuous.

La falta de inversión pública está dañando gravemente la infraestructura nacional.

The lack of public investment is seriously damaging the national infrastructure.

Gerund 'dañando'.

El testigo afirmó que el sospechoso amenazó gravemente a los presentes.

The witness stated that the suspect seriously threatened those present.

Preterite 'amenazó'.

La legitimidad institucional se ha visto gravemente erosionada por la corrupción.

Institutional legitimacy has been seriously eroded by corruption.

Abstract usage of 'erosionada'.

El retraso en la entrega de suministros ha obstaculizado gravemente la operación.

The delay in the delivery of supplies has seriously hindered the operation.

Verb 'obstaculizado' (hindered).

Sus declaraciones podrían ser interpretadas como un acto que ofende gravemente la soberanía.

His/her statements could be interpreted as an act that seriously offends sovereignty.

Passive potential 'ser interpretadas'.

La estabilidad financiera global se encuentra gravemente comprometida.

Global financial stability is seriously compromised.

State verb 'se encuentra'.

El ensayo argumenta que la cultura local está siendo gravemente diluida por la globalización.

The essay argues that local culture is being seriously diluted by globalization.

Metaphorical use of 'diluida'.

La negligencia médica perjudicó gravemente la calidad de vida del paciente.

Medical negligence seriously harmed the patient's quality of life.

Noun phrase 'calidad de vida'.

Es imperativo mitigar los riesgos que amenazan gravemente la seguridad cibernética.

It is imperative to mitigate the risks that seriously threaten cybersecurity.

Relative clause 'que amenazan'.

La sequía prolongada ha diezmado gravemente las poblaciones de fauna silvestre.

The prolonged drought has seriously decimated wildlife populations.

High-level verb 'diezmado'.

La tesis postula que el tejido social se ha visto gravemente fracturado por la desigualdad.

The thesis postulates that the social fabric has been seriously fractured by inequality.

Sociological term 'tejido social'.

El impacto del asteroide habría alterado gravemente la atmósfera terrestre.

The asteroid impact would have seriously altered the Earth's atmosphere.

Conditional perfect 'habría alterado'.

La mala praxis periodística ha socavado gravemente la confianza de la opinión pública.

Bad journalistic practice has seriously undermined public trust.

Verb 'socavado' (undermined).

El dictamen pericial concluyó que el incendio fue provocado gravemente con dolo.

The expert report concluded that the fire was seriously caused with intent.

Legal term 'dolo' (intent).

La hegemonía cultural de la región se ha visto gravemente desafiada por nuevos movimientos.

The region's cultural hegemony has been seriously challenged by new movements.

Abstract noun 'hegemonía'.

La viabilidad del tratado internacional está gravemente supeditada al consenso político.

The viability of the international treaty is seriously contingent on political consensus.

Verb 'supeditada' (contingent/subject to).

El ecosistema abisal está siendo gravemente perturbado por la minería submarina.

The abyssal ecosystem is being seriously disturbed by deep-sea mining.

Scientific term 'ecosistema abisal'.

La arquitectura del sistema operativo fue gravemente vulnerada por el virus.

The operating system's architecture was seriously compromised by the virus.

Technical use of 'vulnerada'.

Common Collocations

herido gravemente

afectar gravemente

dañar gravemente

ofender gravemente

perjudicar gravemente

enfermar gravemente

deteriorarse gravemente

comprometer gravemente

amenazar gravemente

lesionar gravemente

Common Phrases

Estar gravemente enfermo

— To be critically ill. Used in medical contexts to indicate a life-threatening condition.

Mi abuelo está gravemente enfermo en la UCI.

Resultar gravemente herido

— To end up seriously injured. Common in news reports about accidents.

Dos pasajeros resultaron gravemente heridos.

Verse gravemente afectado

— To find oneself seriously affected. Used for systemic or widespread impacts.

El sector agrario se vio gravemente afectado por las heladas.

Dañar gravemente la reputación

— To severely damage one's reputation. Used in legal or social contexts.

El artículo dañó gravemente la reputación del actor.

Amenazar gravemente la paz

— To seriously threaten peace. Used in political discourse.

Estas acciones amenazan gravemente la paz mundial.

Ofender gravemente el honor

— To seriously offend someone's honor. A formal, slightly archaic legal phrase.

Fue acusado de ofender gravemente el honor del rey.

Deteriorar gravemente el clima

— To severely deteriorate the climate. Used in environmental discussions.

Las emisiones de CO2 deterioran gravemente el clima.

Perjudicar gravemente los intereses

— To seriously harm the interests of someone or something.

La nueva ley perjudica gravemente los intereses de los trabajadores.

Estar gravemente preocupado

— To be seriously worried. Indicates deep anxiety about a problem.

Estamos gravemente preocupados por la desaparición del joven.

Comprometer gravemente la seguridad

— To seriously compromise security. Used in technical or national contexts.

El hackeo comprometió gravemente la seguridad del banco.

Often Confused With

gravemente vs seriamente

Seriamente is about attitude (He is thinking seriously); Gravemente is about severity (He is seriously injured).

gravemente vs severamente

Severamente usually implies a harsh punishment or a strict rule being applied.

gravemente vs graciosamente

Though it sounds like 'grace,' it means 'funny.' It is the opposite of serious.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ponerse grave"

— To become seriously ill. It uses the adjective 'grave' but is the conceptual root of the adverb.

El paciente se puso grave durante la noche.

neutral

"De gravedad"

— Of a serious nature. Often used as an adjective phrase.

Es un asunto de gravedad extrema.

formal

"Gravedad institucional"

— A situation where the very foundations of an institution are at risk.

Estamos ante un hecho de gravedad institucional.

political/formal

"Herida de gravedad"

— A serious wound. Similar to 'herido gravemente' but functions as a noun phrase.

Tiene una herida de gravedad en la pierna.

neutral

"En estado de gravedad"

— In a serious state. Used for medical emergencies.

Fue ingresado en estado de gravedad.

medical

"Grave de toda gravedad"

— Extremely serious. A redundant phrase used for emphasis.

Lo que hiciste es grave de toda gravedad.

informal/dramatic

"Tener un semblante grave"

— To have a serious expression. Related to the 'solemn' aspect of the root.

El director entró con un semblante grave.

literary

"Palabras graves"

— Serious words or insults. Also a linguistic term for words stressed on the second-to-last syllable.

Se dijeron palabras graves durante la discusión.

neutral

"Falta grave"

— A serious foul or mistake. Common in sports and employment law.

El jugador cometió una falta grave.

neutral

"Gravedad cero"

— Zero gravity. A scientific term unrelated to 'seriousness' but sharing the root.

Los astronautas viven en gravedad cero.

scientific

Easily Confused

gravemente vs grave

It is the adjective form.

Grave is an adjective (serious); gravemente is an adverb (seriously). You say 'una herida grave' but 'herido gravemente'.

Es un problema grave.

gravemente vs gravedad

It is the noun form.

Gravedad is the noun meaning 'seriousness' or 'gravity'.

La gravedad del asunto es alta.

gravemente vs agravamiento

Related root.

Agravamiento means 'worsening' of a situation.

Hubo un agravamiento de los síntomas.

gravemente vs agravio

Related root.

Agravio is a noun meaning an insult or offense.

Fue un agravio contra su familia.

gravemente vs grávida

Related root.

Grávida means pregnant (literally 'heavy' with a child).

La mujer grávida descansaba.

Sentence Patterns

Sujeto + está + gravemente + adjetivo.

El perro está gravemente enfermo.

Sujeto + fue + gravemente + participio.

La casa fue gravemente dañada.

Sujeto + se vio + gravemente + participio.

La economía se vio gravemente afectada.

Sujeto + podría + perjudicar + gravemente + objeto.

El error podría perjudicar gravemente el plan.

Sujeto + ha + estado + participio + gravemente.

La zona ha estado sufriendo gravemente.

Sujeto + amenaza + gravemente + con + infinitivo.

La crisis amenaza gravemente con destruir el empleo.

Sujeto + resulta + ser + gravemente + adjetivo.

La herida resulta ser gravemente infecciosa.

Sujeto + se encuentra + gravemente + supeditado a + sustantivo.

El éxito se encuentra gravemente supeditado al presupuesto.

Word Family

Nouns

gravedad (gravity/seriousness)

gravamen (tax/encumbrance)

gravitación (gravitation)

Verbs

gravar (to tax/to burden)

gravitar (to gravitate)

Adjectives

grave (serious/heavy)

gravitatorio (gravitational)

gravoso (burdensome/costly)

gravidez (pregnancy - related to 'heavy')

grávida (pregnant)

agravante (aggravating factor)

agravar (to worsen)

desagravio (reparation/apology)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, medical reports, and formal writing. Rare in casual daily conversation unless discussing health.

Common Mistakes

Using 'gravemente' to mean 'not joking'. → Hablo en serio.
Gravemente refers to severity, not sincerity.
Spelling it as 'gravamente'. → Gravemente.
The adjective 'grave' doesn't change its 'e' to an 'a'.
Using it for positive intensity (e.g., gravemente feliz). → Extremadamente feliz.
Gravemente has a negative connotation of weight or danger.
Placing it before the verb in simple sentences (e.g., Él gravemente herido). → Él está gravemente herido.
Adverbs usually follow the verb or modify an adjective.
Using it to describe a spooky atmosphere. → Una atmósfera tétrica / sombría.
Gravemente is about severity, not the 'grave' (tomb) in English.

Tips

Medical Reports

When reading a medical report, 'gravemente' is a technical term indicating a critical state. Don't confuse it with 'seriamente,' which is more colloquial in that context.

Adverb Placement

Place 'gravemente' immediately after the verb to sound most natural. For example: 'El paciente empeoró gravemente'.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'gravemente' once, try 'de forma grave' for the next mention to show off your range.

The 'V' Sound

Remember the Spanish 'v' in gravemente is bilabial. Touch your lips together lightly; don't use your teeth.

News Writing

If you are writing a mock news article, 'gravemente herido' is the standard phrase you must use for accidents.

Register Awareness

Using 'gravemente' in a casual conversation about a minor problem can make you sound dramatic or sarcastic.

The Weight of Words

Always remember that 'grave' means 'heavy.' This will help you understand why it's used for 'serious' things.

Mnemonic

Think of 'Grave' (tomb) + 'Mente' (mind). A 'grave mind' is one dealing with very serious, heavy matters.

B1 Milestone

Mastering this word is a key step in moving from basic A2 descriptions to more professional B1 level Spanish.

Emergency Use

If you ever need to call 112 or 911 in a Spanish-speaking country, 'gravemente herido' is a vital phrase to know.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'GRAVITY.' If something has a lot of gravity, it is heavy and serious. 'Gravemente' is just the adverb form of that seriousness.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant lead weight falling onto a fragile glass table. The table is 'gravemente' damaged because the weight (grave) was so heavy.

Word Web

grave gravedad agravar herido enfermo dañado afectado serio

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a fictional natural disaster using 'gravemente' to describe the damage to the buildings, the impact on the people, and the state of the environment.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'gravis' (heavy, weighty, severe) + the Spanish suffix '-mente' (from the Latin 'mens, mentis', meaning mind or manner).

Original meaning: To do something with a 'heavy mind' or in a 'heavy manner.'

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word about someone's health. It implies they might die or have permanent damage. Use it with empathy and only when factually accurate.

English speakers often over-use 'seriamente' because it sounds like 'seriously.' Using 'gravemente' instead will make you sound much more like a native speaker in serious contexts.

Medical reports of King Juan Carlos I often used the term 'grave' and 'gravemente' during his health scares. The phrase 'estable dentro de la gravedad' is a famous Spanish medical euphemism often parodied in comedy. News coverage of the 2004 Madrid train bombings used 'gravemente herido' extensively.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Emergencies

Está gravemente herido.
Su salud empeoró gravemente.
Ingresó gravemente enfermo.
Estado gravemente inestable.

Environmental Issues

El ecosistema está gravemente dañado.
La sequía afecta gravemente al campo.
Especies gravemente amenazadas.
Contaminación gravemente alta.

Legal and Ethics

Ofender gravemente el honor.
Perjudicar gravemente a un tercero.
Falta gravemente sancionada.
Comprometer gravemente la ley.

Economy and Business

La crisis afectó gravemente las ventas.
Reputación gravemente dañada.
Proyecto gravemente retrasado.
Finanzas gravemente deficitarias.

Accidents and Disasters

Edificio gravemente deteriorado.
Coche gravemente destrozado.
Zona gravemente afectada.
Víctimas gravemente lesionadas.

Conversation Starters

"¿Has escuchado que el primer ministro está gravemente enfermo?"

"¿Crees que la contaminación está afectando gravemente a nuestra ciudad?"

"¿Qué medidas tomarías si tu empresa se viera gravemente afectada por una crisis?"

"En tu opinión, ¿cuál es el problema que amenaza más gravemente el futuro de la humanidad?"

"¿Alguna vez has presenciado un accidente donde alguien resultara gravemente herido?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una situación histórica donde la paz mundial estuvo gravemente amenazada.

Describe un momento en el que te sentiste gravemente preocupado por un amigo o familiar.

¿Cómo crees que el uso de plástico está dañando gravemente los océanos? Propón tres soluciones.

Reflexiona sobre una decisión que podría perjudicar gravemente tu futuro si no tienes cuidado.

Imagina que eres un periodista informando sobre un edificio que fue gravemente dañado por un terremoto.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. To say 'I am serious,' you should use 'Hablo en serio' or 'Lo digo en serio.' 'Gravemente' is reserved for severe physical or metaphorical damage.

'Gravemente' refers to the severity of a condition (e.g., seriously ill). 'Severamente' refers to the harshness of an action or rule (e.g., severely punished).

No, it is almost exclusively negative. You wouldn't say 'gravemente feliz.' Use 'sumamente' or 'extremadamente' for positive intensity.

It usually follows the verb (e.g., 'dañó gravemente') or comes between the auxiliary and the past participle (e.g., 'fue gravemente herido').

Yes, especially in formal settings, news, and medical contexts. It is less common in casual, everyday chat.

No. Adverbs in Spanish are invariable. You use 'gravemente' for both men and women, singular and plural.

In some literary contexts, yes, describing a serious or heavy manner of acting, but its main use is 'severely'.

It is always 'gravemente.' Because the adjective 'grave' ends in 'e,' it doesn't change to 'a' before adding the suffix.

The most common opposite is 'levemente' (slightly/mildly).

Usually, you would use 'gravoso' (adjective) or 'excesivamente.' However, you could say 'el precio afectó gravemente mi presupuesto'.