Grave

Noun

Definition: A place of burial for a dead body; a tomb.

Definition: A hole dug in the ground to receive a coffin or dead body.

Synonyms: Tomb, Sepulcher, Burial ground

Antonyms: Birthplace, Cradle

Examples:

They laid flowers on her grave.
The graveyard was full of old, weathered graves.

Mnemonics:

"Grave" rhymes with "save" - a grave is where we save the remains of a person.

Adjective

Definition: Giving cause for alarm; serious or significant.

Definition: Weighty; important.

Synonyms: Serious, Solemn, Weighty

Antonyms: Trivial, Lighthearted

Examples:

The situation took a grave turn.
The surgeon had a grave expression on his face.

Mnemonics:

"Grave" sounds like "brave" - serious situations require bravery.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'grave', from Old English 'gráf', from Proto-Germanic 'graban' meaning "to dig"

Historical Usage:

The word "grave" has been used since Old English times with its literal sense of a burial place. Its figurative sense of seriousness or significance developed later.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Dig one's own grave"

Explanation:

To do something that will ultimately cause one's own downfall or ruin.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "grave" with "gravy" due to similar pronunciations.

Explanation:

"Grave" refers to a burial place or seriousness, while "gravy" is a sauce often used in cooking. They have distinct meanings and should not be confused.