All 4 Uses of
grave
in
Major Barbara
- He is a gravely correct young man under 25, taking himself very seriously, but still in some awe of his mother, from childish habit and bachelor shyness rather than from any weakness of character.†
Act 1 *
- UNDERSHAFT [gravely] Poverty, my friend, is not a thing to be proud of.†
Act 2
- UNDERSHAFT [with grave compassion] You see, my dear, it is only the big men who can be treated as children.†
Act 3
- Barbara gravely lays her hand on his shoulder, and he looks up at her in a sort of whimsical desperation].†
Act 3
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