First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
serious
adjective se·ri·ous \ˈsir-ē-əs\
: having an important or dangerous possible result
: involving or deserving a lot of thought, attention, or work
: giving a lot of attention or energy to something
Full Definition of SERIOUS
1
: thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : sober <a quiet, serious girl>
2
a : requiring much thought or work <serious study> b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious play>
3
4
a : not easily answered or solved <serious objections> b : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
5
: excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree <serious stereo equipment> <making serious money> <serious drinking>
— se·ri·ous·ness noun
See serious defined for English-language learners
See serious defined for kids
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Origin of SERIOUS
Middle English seryows, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French serious, from Late Latin seriosus, alteration of Latin serius weighty, serious; probably akin to Old English swǣr heavy, sad
Related to SERIOUS
Synonym Discussion of SERIOUS
serious, grave, solemn, sedate, staid, sober, earnest mean not light or frivolous. serious implies a concern for what really matters <a serious play about social injustice>. grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude <read the proclamation in a grave voice>. solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity <a sad and solemn occasion>. sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness <remained sedate amid the commotion>. staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint <a quiet and staid community>. sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity <a sober look at the state of our schools>. earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose <an earnest reformer>.
SERIOUS Defined for Kids
serious
adjective se·ri·ous \ˈsir-ē-əs\
Definition of SERIOUS for Kids
1
: not joking or funny <a serious drama>
2
: being such as to cause distress or harm <a serious accident>
3
: thoughtful or quiet in appearance or manner <a serious person>
4
: requiring much thought or work <a serious task>
— se·ri·ous·ness noun
Synonym Discussion of SERIOUS
serious, solemn, and earnest mean not funny or not playful. serious means being concerned or seeming to be concerned about really important things. <He's a serious student.> solemn is used for dignity along with complete seriousness. <The preacher is always very solemn.> earnest means that someone is sincere and has serious intentions. <She's an earnest, diligent student.>
Medical Dictionary
serious
adjective se·ri·ous \ˈsir-ē-əs\
Medical Definition of SERIOUS
: having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
Learn More About SERIOUS
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