English

gruesomely

gb/ɡɹˈusəməli/ us/ɡɹˈusəməli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb C1 property
1

in a violent, gory way

In a way that shows something very violent and shocking.

Usage pattern: [something] is gruesomely [adjective/verb-ed]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with 'grimly' (serious or gloomy but not necessarily bloody or violent).
Synonyms
horrifically (Emphasizes shock and horror, not always gore.) | ghastly (More literary; often suggests death or a corpse-like look.) | graphically (Focuses on explicit detail, especially in descriptions or images.)
Antonyms
gently (Opposite in tone; lacking violence or harshness.) | tastefully (Opposite in presentation; avoids shocking or graphic detail.)
Collocations
gruesomely injured |gruesomely disfigured |gruesomely murdered |gruesomely mutilated |gruesomely killed |gruesomely detailed |gruesomely realistic |gruesomely violent |gruesomely graphic |gruesomely described
Themes
violence |crime |media |emotions
Examples
  • The report described the attack gruesomely, with details that many readers found hard to stomach.
  • Several victims were gruesomely injured in the crash.
  • The film’s final scene is gruesomely violent and not suitable for children.
Learner examples
  • The movie ends gruesomely.
  • He was gruesomely injured in the accident.
adverb C2 property
2

in an extremely unpleasant way

In a very bad or shocking way (sometimes not literal).

Usage pattern: gruesomely [adjective]
Common mistake:
This figurative use can sound strong; avoid it in polite or formal contexts unless you want emphasis.
Synonyms
appallingly (Common for bad behavior or poor quality; less connected to gore.) | shockingly (Highlights surprise and outrage more than horror.) | outrageously (Often used for prices or unfairness; less dark in tone.)
Antonyms
pleasantly (Opposite in emotional effect; enjoyable rather than disturbing.) | reasonably (Opposite in degree; not extreme or shocking.)
Collocations
gruesomely unfair |gruesomely inaccurate |gruesomely overpriced |gruesomely inefficient |gruesomely insensitive |gruesomely wrong |gruesomely distorted |gruesomely out of date
Themes
emotions |opinion |speech
Examples
  • The data was gruesomely distorted to make the results look better than they were.
  • The bill was gruesomely overpriced for what we received.
  • He made a few jokes that were gruesomely insensitive given the situation.
Learner examples
  • The price was gruesomely high.
  • That comment was gruesomely rude.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gruesomely
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈusəməli/
US/ɡɹˈusəməli/
Syllables & stress
grue - somely (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (grue)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: gruesomely
  • Plural: gruesomelies
Word family
Forms
gruesomelies noun
Core family
gruesome adjective C1
Advanced or less common
gruesomeness noun
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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