Definition

The quality of being serious, harsh, or gloomy.

Example

The grimness of the situation made everyone feel uneasy.

Conversation

Have you seen that new movie about the war?

Yeah, it was pretty intense; the grimness of the scenes really struck me.

I know right? I didn't expect it to be so dark.

Same here, it really made me think about the reality of those situations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Grimness is formed from "grim" (from Old English "grim", meaning fierce or cruel) and "-ness" (a suffix meaning the state or quality of). The word "grimness" refers to the quality of being grim, fierce, or stern.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'grim' which means fierce or cruel, and remember that 'grimness' describes the state of being fierce or stern.

Visually Confused Words