gravare

weigh down

verb grah-VAH-reh Less Common

Origin: from Latin 'gravare', from 'gravis' (heavy)

Also means

burden

Usage Note

Gravare means to weigh on or burden, usually figuratively, taking the preposition su, as in gravare sulle spalle di qualcuno. It shares its root with grave (heavy, serious).

Examples

"Le spese gravano sulla famiglia."

Natural Translation

The costs weigh on the family.

Literal Translation

The expenses weigh on-the family.

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