gravedad
“gravedad” means “gravity” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
gravity
Also: gravitation
📝 In Action
La gravedad es la razón por la que las cosas caen.
A2Gravity is the reason things fall.
En la Luna, la gravedad es mucho menor que en la Tierra.
B1On the Moon, gravity is much less than on Earth.
seriousness, severity
Also: solemnity
📝 In Action
La gravedad de la crisis económica es innegable.
B2The seriousness of the economic crisis is undeniable.
El doctor nos informó sobre la gravedad de su estado.
B1The doctor informed us about the severity of his condition.
Habló con mucha gravedad sobre el futuro del proyecto.
B2He spoke with great seriousness about the future of the project.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: gravedad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'gravedad' to describe a physical force?
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📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *gravitas*, which meant 'weight,' 'heaviness,' or 'importance.' This explains both the physical force (weight) and the metaphorical meaning (importance/seriousness).
First recorded: 13th century (in Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo se dice 'seriously injured' usando gravedad?
You use the common phrase 'herido de gravedad' or 'lesionado de gravedad'. For example: 'Fue hospitalizado de gravedad' (He was hospitalized seriously/critically).
Does 'gravedad' ever mean 'weight' in the sense of how heavy something is?
Not usually. While its root means 'weight,' in modern Spanish, you should use 'peso' for the weight of an object. 'Gravedad' is reserved for the physical force or the metaphorical seriousness.