Samuel L(ee), Jr., 1922?2004, U.S. naval officer

first black admiral.

serious or solemn; sober

a grave person; grave thoughts.

weighty, momentous, or important

grave responsibilities.

threatening a seriously bad outcome or involving serious issues; critical

a grave situation; a grave illness.

Grammar .

unaccented.

spoken on a low or falling pitch.

noting or having a particular accent (`) indicating originally a comparatively low pitch (as in French père ), distinct syllabic value (as in English belovèd ), etc. ( opposed to acute ).

(of colors) dull; somber.

the grave accent.