grave tone
Weighty vocal register
A grave tone is serious, solemn, and weighty—the opposite of light or casual.
Someone speaks in a grave tone when delivering bad news, issuing warnings, or discussing matters of great importance: The doctor's grave tone told her everything before he spoke.
The phrase suggests measured delivery and emotional restraint appropriate to serious circumstances.
- somberGravely serious in mood
- seriousWeighty and requiring attention
- solemnSerious and dignified
- bad newsUnwelcome information
- sternStrict or ship's aft
grim · breaking news · weighty · ominous · hushed · hospital room · doctor's office · measured · funeral · eulogy · last words · deathbed confession · warning · heavy · dark · deep · foreboding · dire