Which word means seriousness (secondary meaning)?

• A. Extol
• B. Gravity
• C. Euphony
• D. Deride

Answer: (B)

Think about how some words carry a meaning beyond their literal sense. Gravity has a figurative use in everyday language to mean seriousness or importance, as in “the gravity of the situation.” That mental image of weight helps us sense why this word fits a secondary meaning about how serious or consequential something is. The physics sense of gravity (the force that pulls things toward each other) is the primary sense, but in the phrase about a serious matter, you’re tapping into the metaphorical, secondary meaning of weight and importance.

The other options don’t express seriousness in a secondary sense. Extol means to praise highly, euphony means a pleasant sound, and deride means to mock. None of those convey the idea of gravity or weightiness in a situation.