GRAVELY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does gravely mean? 

• GRAVELY (adverb)
  The adverb GRAVELY has 2 senses:

1. in a grave and sober manner

2. to a severe or serious degree

  Familiarity information: GRAVELY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GRAVELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a grave and sober manner

Synonyms:

gravely; soberly; staidly

Context example:

he walked soberly toward the altar

Pertainym:

grave (dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises)

Sense 2

Meaning:

To a severe or serious degree

Synonyms:

badly; gravely; seriously; severely

Context example:

was seriously ill

Pertainym:

grave (causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm)

 Context examples 

Van Helsing said gravely:—"Go on, friend Arthur. We want here no more concealments. Our hope now is in knowing all. Tell freely!"

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

‘Dear me!’ he said gravely, ‘that is very serious indeed!’

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Ay," they nodded gravely. But I have no time. My business is hunting, and it takes all my time.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

The potential waiter waved him away, and turned, gravely, to me.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

“They are holy men,” Alleyne answered gravely.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Holmes shook his head very gravely.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

In the first place, the little gallipot of a boat that we were in was gravely overloaded.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

“I was in London at the time,” said Sheridan, gravely.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"From the Land of Oz," said Dorothy gravely.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

The two statesmen bowed and walked gravely from the room.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)