grievously

[ gree-vuhs-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that causes or shows grief, sorrow, pain, or suffering:

   There is no denying that the inmates were grievously malnourished.

   The first marine he reached was grievously wounded, and his medical assistance was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the man's life.

2. in a way that is flagrant or outrageous:

   The accomplished actress is grievously wasted as a femme fatale who doesn't utter a single word.

   The court concluded that the manager had put himself in a position in which his own private interests conflicted grievously with those of his employer.

3. in a way that is burdensome or oppressive:

   The energy necessary to manufacture sufficient solar collectors would itself add grievously to the global burden of pollution and greenhouse gas.

Other Words From

• non·griev·ous·ly adverb
• o·ver·griev·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of grievously¹

grievous ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

His lawyers are certain to argue that making the material public would harm him grievously in violation of the Supreme Court’s guidance.

From Los Angeles Times

Turkey’s Armenian population, a vulnerable minority in the Ottoman Empire, suffered grievously during the war.

From Literature

It appeared to be the first time that Mr. Goldberg-Polin, who was grievously injured in the attack, has been shown to be alive since his captivity began.

From New York Times

He also couched his argument by saying that he thought the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage was “grievously wrong.”

From Seattle Times

If the 5th Circuit’s decision is allowed to stand, the FDA’s role as bulwark against snake oil will be grievously undermined.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acutely
• badly
• intensely
• severely
• sorely
• very