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Synonyms

grievously

American  
[gree-vuhs-lee] / ˈgri vəs li /

adverb

  1. in a way that causes or shows grief, sorrow, pain, or suffering.

    There is no denying that the inmates were grievously malnourished.

    The first marine he reached was grievously wounded, and his medical assistance was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the man's life.

  2. in a way that is flagrant or outrageous.

    The accomplished actress is grievously wasted as a femme fatale who doesn't utter a single word.

    The court concluded that the manager had put himself in a position in which his own private interests conflicted grievously with those of his employer.

  3. in a way that is burdensome or oppressive.

    The energy necessary to manufacture sufficient solar collectors would itself add grievously to the global burden of pollution and greenhouse gas.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of grievously

grievous ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing grievously

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.”

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 13, 2026

The agency also provides a grievously misleading account of the 2014 Supreme Court opinion in Utility Air Regulatory Group v.

From Slate Feb. 20, 2026

Each loved nature and beauty and harmony, suffered grievously under American settlement and finally succeeded by being true to its heritage.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 3, 2025

It appeared to be the first time that Mr. Goldberg-Polin, who was grievously injured in the attack, has been shown to be alive since his captivity began.

From New York Times Apr. 24, 2024

Above 26,000 feet, moreover, the line between appropriate zeal and reckless summit fever becomes grievously thin.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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