Grim describes something harsh, serious, or depressing, like a grim future or a grim expression. It can also suggest something frightening or without hope.
From Old English “grim,” meaning “fierce, cruel, severe,” related to Old Norse “grimmr.” It may be connected to words for “growling” or showing teeth.
Grim used to mean fierce and cruel, almost like a snarling animal showing its teeth. That old fierceness still shows up in images like the “Grim Reaper,” who is death personified.
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