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 *swēr- (“heavy”). Cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer.

      Pronunciation

      Adjective

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

      1. Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn.
        It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.
      2. Important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play; needing great attention; critical.
        This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
      3. Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving; meaningful.
        After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.

      Synonyms

      Antonyms

      Derived terms

      Translations

      without humor or expression of happiness
      important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play
      really intending what is said; being in earnest

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      Last modified on 19 May 2013, at 20:25