gravitas
noun

- seriousness and importance of manner, causing feelings of respect and trust in others

Cambridge Dictionary

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ORIGIN

Gravitas was one of the ancient Roman virtues that denoted seriousness, translated variously as weight, dignity, and importance, and is associated with restraint and moral rigor. It also conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment to the task.

Along with pietas (regard for discipline and authority), severitas, gloria, simplicitas (lucidity), integritas, dignitas, and virtus, gravitas was particularly appreciated as an ideal characteristic in leaders.

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THE GRAVITAS OF THE ENGLISH GENTLEMAN

In the British education system, gravitas was seen as one of the pillars of the moral formation of the English gentleman during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It was synonymous with polish, grace in manner as well as dignity in outward appearance.

The British empire was underpinned with the moral concept of imperium, so that gravitas and other Roman virtues were idealized in its imperial society and in the governance of a global dominion.

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SYNONYMS

solemnity, grandeur, gravity, seriousnes, sobriety, dignity, formality, decorum, solemnness, poise, sedateness, graveness, intentness, serious-mindedness, sternness, pensiveness, sober-mindedness, resoluteness, honesty, coolness, calmness, severity, acuteness, momentousness, steadiness, level-headedness, restraint, composure, strictness, self-control, common sense, dignified demeanour, calm, steeliness, owlishness

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“She has the GRAVITAS and presence that commands attention the moment she enters the room.”

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Paul Smith