Meaning
“Grim” is an adjective that describes something serious, unpleasant, or depressing. It often refers to situations, expressions, or realities that are harsh or without hope.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Adjective
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Typical structures:
- a grim face/expression → showing worry or disapproval
- a grim situation → a very bad or hopeless situation
- the grim reality/fact/truth → unpleasant but real truth
Extended meanings
- Appearance: harsh, stern (e.g., “a grim look”)
- Situation: severe, depressing (e.g., “the economic outlook is grim”)
- Atmosphere: gloomy or forbidding (e.g., “a grim cityscape”)
Common Phrases
- grim reality
- grim expression
- grim determination (strong resolve despite difficulty)
- grim reminder (a serious or tragic lesson)
Collocations
| Adjective + Noun | Example |
|---|---|
| grim reality | The grim reality of war |
| grim face | He wore a grim face after hearing the news |
| grim determination | She worked with grim determination |
| grim future | The report painted a grim future for the company |
Examples
- The weather was grim, with dark clouds covering the sky.
- His face looked grim when he heard the bad news.
- The film depicts the grim reality of life in the slums.
- Despite the grim outlook, she refused to give up hope.
- The doctor gave us a grim warning about his condition.
- Soldiers marched on with grim determination.
- The factory’s closure was a grim reminder of the region’s economic troubles.
- The story takes place in a grim dystopian future.
Synonyms or Related
- gloomy
- stern
- harsh
- bleak
- somber
- severe
Antonym
- cheerful
- pleasant
- hopeful
- bright
- optimistic