grim

/ɡrɪm/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡrɪm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrim/ (ame, mw)

grim — adjective

  • grimpositive
  • grimmercomparative
  • grimmestsuperlative

1. describing a situation, piece of news, or future possibility that is so bad it m

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a situation, piece of news, or future possibility that is so bad it makes you feel worried and without hope

例句

The latest jobs report painted a grim picture for the local economy.

collocation: grim picture

Shirin's doctors gave her a grim warning about her recovery.

collocation: grim warning

同義詞
  • bleak

    focuses on cold emptiness and lack of comfort; often used for landscapes or futures

  • dire

    emphasises urgency and extreme seriousness; a dire situation needs immediate action

  • gloomy

    suggests sadness and darkness, but with less hopelessness than grim

反義詞
  • hopeful

    expresses optimism and positive expectations

  • promising

    suggests good things are likely to happen

用法筆記

Often used with nouns like 'news', 'outlook', 'picture', 'prospects', 'warning', and 'reality'. Very common in journalism and formal reporting about economic or political conditions.

常見錯誤

❌The weather was grim last weekend, so we stayed home.
✅The weather was gloomy last weekend, so we stayed home.
💡'grim' is for serious or hopeless situations, not ordinary bad weather.
❌I had a grim headache this morning.
✅I had a terrible headache this morning.
💡'grim' describes situations or conditions, not physical pain.

2. having a worried, serious, or sad expression on your face or in your voice that

2.形容詞B2
釋義

having a worried, serious, or sad expression on your face or in your voice that shows you are not happy or hopeful

例句

Talia's face was grim as she read the letter from the hospital.

pattern: face + was + grim (linking verb)

The teacher gave the students a grim look when they refused to listen.

pattern: gave + [someone] + a grim look

同義詞
  • stern

    suggests strictness and seriousness; more about character than temporary mood

  • somber

    emphasises sadness and quiet seriousness rather than worry

  • grave

    suggests a very serious, solemn manner, often in response to something important

反義詞
  • cheerful

    showing happiness and positive feelings

  • smiling

    having a happy expression on the face

用法筆記

Describes a person's temporary facial expression or tone of voice, not their permanent personality. For a personality that is always serious, use 'stern' or 'severe' instead.

常見錯誤

❌My uncle is a grim man who never smiles.
✅My uncle is a stern man who never smiles.
💡'grim' describes a temporary expression, not a personality trait.
❌She gave me a grim handshake.
✅She gave me a grim look.
💡'grim' modifies expressions, looks, or voices, not actions like handshakes.

3. looking very unpleasant, ugly, or frightening, especially in a way that makes yo

3.形容詞B2
釋義

looking very unpleasant, ugly, or frightening, especially in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy

例句

The old prison was a grim building with dark walls and tiny windows.

collocation: grim building

Adaeze walked past a grim alley that smelled of rubbish and damp.

collocation: grim alley

同義詞
  • dreary

    focuses on dullness and lack of cheer; less frightening than grim

  • sinister

    suggests evil intent or threat; stronger than grim

  • ghastly

    emphasises shocking ugliness or horror

反義詞

用法筆記

Often describes places, buildings, rooms, or physical features that feel cold, dark, unwelcoming, or sinister. Not used for people's behaviour — use 'sinister' for that.

常見錯誤

❌The waiter was grim to us all evening.
✅The waiter was rude to us all evening.
💡'grim' describes how a place or thing looks, not how a person behaves.
❌I ate a grim sandwich for lunch.
✅I ate a terrible sandwich for lunch.
💡For food, use 'disgusting' or 'terrible'; 'grim' describes a sinister or frightening appearance.