serious

English

Etymology

From Middle English seryows, from Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, an extension of Latin sērius (“grave, earnest, serious”), from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (“heavy”). Cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer.

Pronunciation
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈsɪɚ.i.əs/, /ˈsɪɹ.i.əs/
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈsɪə.ɹɪ.əs/, /ˈsɪː.ɹɪ.əs/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Audio (UK)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪəɹiəs
  • Homophones: cereous, Sirius (one pronunciation)

Adjective

serious (comparative more serious or seriouser, superlative most serious or seriousest)

  1. Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition
    It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.
    Synonyms: earnest, solemn
  2. Important; weighty; not insignificant
    This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
  3. Really intending what is said (or planned, etc); in earnest; not jocular or deceiving
    After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.
    He says he wants to buy the team, but is he serious?
  4. (of a relationship) Committed.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Adverb

serious (not comparable)

  1. (colloquial, dialect) In a serious manner; seriously.
    • 1957, Ray Lawler, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Sydney: Fontana Books, published 1974, page 68:
      The only time I walk out on singin' is when there's muckin' about and youse don't take it serious.

Further reading
  • serious in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • serious in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911
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