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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.

How do grievously wounded combatants power through to achieve extraordinary feats of heroism?

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

These actions shocked the conscience and grievously damaged the country.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025

His lawyers are certain to argue that making the material public would harm him grievously in violation of the Supreme Court’s guidance.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

The video appeared to be the first time that Mr. Goldberg-Polin, who was grievously injured in the Hamas-led Oct.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

“To a duel. For my honor, which was grievously betrayed.”

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

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