gravitas

Definition

Seriousness in bearing or manner; dignity.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin gravitās (“weight, heaviness”). Doublet of gravity.

Example Sentences

• "“Because he refuses to level with the American people about the dangers which he has placed American troops and our diplomatic corps, personnel and civilians, as well as our partners and allies, or demonstrated even a modicum of presidential gravitas, I will attempt to do that,” said Mr. Biden, who is one of 14 candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination."
• "The other campaign against Ms. Yellen has been subtler, involving repeated suggestions — almost always off the record — that she lacks the “gravitas” to lead the Fed. What does that mean? […] Sorry, but it’s hard to escape the conclusion that gravitas, in this context, mainly means possessing a Y chromosome."
• "Unlike most moons of the solar system, ours has the heft, the gravitational gravitas, to pull itself into a sphere."

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