Gravitas
/ˈɡræ.vɪ.tɑːs/noun
A quality of seriousness, dignity, or solemnity.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, gravitas was not just a trait; it was a virtue associated with moral integrity and the ability to command respect, often linked to the weight of one's character.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*grəu̯ə-
“to be heavy, to weigh”
Latin
Latin
gravis
“heavy, serious, weighty”
Latin
Latin
gravitas
“weight, heaviness, seriousness”
14th Century
Middle English
gravitas
“import or significance in a serious manner”
Modern English
English
gravitas
“seriousness or dignity in manner or character”