C1noun2K

Grave

UK /["/ɡreɪv/"]/US /["/ɡreɪv/"]/

Definition

a place in the ground where a dead person is buried

In simple words: A place where a dead person is buried.

Examples

  • They visited the old family grave in the cemetery.
  • The discovery of the ancient grave shed new light on historical events.
  • He stood by the soldier's grave in silence to pay respects.
  • The archaeologists carefully excavated the grave site last week.
  • Her face took on a grave expression after hearing the news.
  • The situation became grave when the storm destroyed the bridges.
  • He gave a grave warning about the dangers of ignoring climate change.
  • They spoke in a grave tone during the emergency meeting.

Usage notes

Use 'grave' to refer to burial sites in a respectful context. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing death or funerals.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'grave' as a 'grave situation'—both related to seriousness and death.

Collocations

  • deep
  • shallow
  • open
  • dig
  • mark
  • desecrate
  • beyond the grave
  • in a/​the grave
  • on a/​the grave
  • deep
  • shallow
  • open
  • dig
  • mark
  • desecrate
  • beyond the grave
  • in a/​the grave
  • on a/​the grave

Synonyms

  • tomb
  • sepulcher
  • burial site
  • crypt
  • interment

Antonyms

  • birth
  • life

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'grave' with 'graveyard' (the area containing many graves).
  • Using 'grave' to mean serious without context.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'gravy'.