Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gravamen

noun
grə-ˈvā-mən
Definition
The essential part of a legal complaint or grievance.
Examples
  • The gravamen of his lawsuit was the alleged breach of contract.
  • She stated the gravamen of her complaint very clearly in the letter.
  • Understanding the gravamen of the dispute will help resolve the issue more effectively.
Meaning
Gravamen refers to the core issue or the main point of a complaint in a legal context. It highlights what the complaint is fundamentally about.
Synonyms
  • Essence
  • Core
  • Substance
  • Heart
  • Foundation