Definition

The quality of being very unpleasant or shocking, often related to something gruesome or horrifying.

Example

The grisliness of the horror movie made some viewers feel uneasy.

Conversation

Did you hear about that horror movie everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I heard it's filled with a lot of grisliness.

I might skip it then; I can't handle too much of that stuff.

Same here! I prefer something lighter and more fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Grisliness is formed from "grisly" (from Old English "grislic", meaning horrible or fearful) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "grisliness" refers to the quality of being grisly or horrifying.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'horrible' or 'fearful' ('grisly') and remember that 'grisliness' means the state of being horrifying.

Visually Confused Words