Dignified seriousness that gives a person, role, or message weight and credibility.
Reach for it when praising composed authority when solemnity genuinely suits the subject
Her calm voice gave the announcement suitable gravitas.
| playful | |
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| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
playful
presence
Fits when a person commands attention without obvious effort
Careful Presence is vague and can result from charisma rather than judgment.
everyday
seriousness
Fits when the subject is treated with appropriate attention
Careful Seriousness alone can be anxious, humorless, or severe.
warm
Fits when self-respect and composed bearing are central
Careful Dignity can be quiet or vulnerable and does not necessarily create authority.
professional
authority
Fits when expertise or office makes the message credible
Careful Authority can be positional and lack personal gravitas.
professional
stature
Fits when earned standing increases influence
Careful Stature depends on reputation and not necessarily on the manner of one speech.
formal
solemnity
Fits when ceremonial gravity is appropriate to the occasion
Careful Solemnity is mood-specific and can feel excessive in ordinary leadership.
literary
weight
Fits when importance and consequence are felt in the words
Careful Weight is metaphorical and can imply burden rather than dignity.
lend gravitas
Independent evidence will lend gravitas to the public statement.
appropriate gravitas
The memorial was opened with appropriate gravitas and concise remarks.
quiet gravitas
Quiet gravitas made her warning persuasive without theatrics.
Keep in mind
Gravitas can become a performance of status. A deep voice, age, or solemn manner is not evidence of wisdom.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: EncycloPetey, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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