All 8 Uses of
grave
in
The Stranger
- The whole building was as quiet as the grave, a dank, dark smell rising from the well hole of the stairs.†
Chpt 1.3
- At this he looked rather hurt, and told me that I always shilly-shallied, and that I lacked ambition--a grave defect, to his mind, when one was in business.
Chpt 1.5grave = serious and solemn
- Presently he gave a slight cough, turned some pages of his file, and, still fanning his face, addressed me gravely.†
Chpt 2.3
- Then he explained that I hadn't wanted to see Mother's body, or shed a single tear, and that I'd left immediately the funeral ended, without lingering at her grave.†
Chpt 2.3
- Looking very grave, the Prosecutor drew himself up to his full height and, pointing at me, said in such a tone that I could have sworn he was genuinely moved, "Gentlemen of the jury, I would have you note that on the next day after his mother's funeral that man was visiting the swimming pool, starting a liaison with a girl, and going to see a comic film.†
Chpt 2.3
- --all these facts seemed to deprive the court's decision of much of its gravity.†
Chpt 2.5
- "You're mistaken, my son," he said gravely.
Chpt 2.5 *gravely = in a serious and solemn manner
- How did I picture the life after the grave?†
Chpt 2.5
Definition:
-
(grave as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemnThe exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
- "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry
- "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner