gravity

Universal Words noun [U] 1 (abbreviation g) the force that attracts objects in space towards each other, and that on the earth pulls them towards the centre of the planet, so that things fall to the ground when they are dropped: Newton's law of gravity seealsoCENTREOFGRAVITY 2 (formal) extreme importance and a cause for worry SYNSERIOUSNESS: I don't think you realise the gravity of the situation. * Punishment varies according to the gravity of the offence. 3 (formal) serious behaviour, speech or appearance: They were asked to behave with the gravity that was appropriate in a court of law. seealsoGRAVE