grimly
/ˈɡrɪmli/ (bre, ipa) · [ɡrˈɪmli] /ˈɡrɪmli/ (ame, ipa)
grimly — adverb
1. showing that you expect a bad result and feel no hope of things getting better
showing that you expect a bad result and feel no hope of things getting better
The mountain rescuers searched grimly through the storm, fearing the worst for the lost hikers.
modifies a verb of effort to show hopelessness
Tamar stared grimly at the rising water as it crept toward her front door.
"There is little we can do now," the doctor said grimly to the waiting family.
The factory workers waited grimly outside the gates, sure that the plant would close.
- bleakly
stresses a cold, joyless outlook with no comfort
- hopelessly
more direct about the lack of hope, less about manner
- hopefully
expecting a good result instead of a bad one
用法筆記
Often pairs with verbs of waiting, watching, or speaking when the speaker has already accepted a bad outcome. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about a serious manner rather than lost hope.
2. looking or sounding extremely serious, often because of worry, anger, or bad new
looking or sounding extremely serious, often because of worry, anger, or bad news
Defne nodded grimly when the coach explained how hard the next training week would be.
describes a serious facial reaction
The judge listened grimly as the lawyer described what had happened that night.
"We have lost the contract," the manager announced grimly at the morning meeting.
Wei smiled grimly, knowing the long climb up the hill was only just beginning.
The soldiers marched grimly along the muddy road, their faces set and tired.
- cheerfully
in a happy, light manner
- lightly
treating something as not serious
用法筆記
The most common sense; frequently describes faces, voices, and reactions to bad news. Subject is usually a person showing a serious outward manner, not necessarily a hopeless situation.
3. in a way that is unpleasant to look at or experience because it is harsh, bare,
in a way that is unpleasant to look at or experience because it is harsh, bare, or cruel
The old prison rose grimly above the town, its grey walls blocking out the sun.
describes something unpleasant to look at
Valentina described grimly how the flood had ruined every home in her village.
The empty streets stretched grimly into the fog, lined with broken windows and rusted gates.
The report set out grimly just how many trees the fire had destroyed.
- pleasantly
in an agreeable, comfortable way
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: here the focus is on something being unpleasant or harsh in itself, not on a person's serious manner. Often modifies how a scene looks or how bad facts are laid out.