serious
adjective
- important, grave, not to be taken lightly, of great import
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪə̯.ɹi.əs/ / /ˈsɪː.ɹi.əs/ / /ˈsɪɹ.i.əs/
adj
Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-rós Proto-Italic *sēros Latin sērus Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius ? Proto-Indo-European *swer- Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *swerjos? Latin sērius Proto-Indo-European *h₃ed- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *h₃édosder.? Proto-Italic *-ōtsos or *-otsos Latin -ōsus Medieval Latin sēriōsus Old French serieuxbor. Middle English seryows English serious From Middle English seryows, from Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, an extension of Latin sērius (“grave, earnest, serious”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (“heavy”). (If this root is correct, cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer. However, see sērius for an alternative derivation of the Latin.)
- Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition.
“deadly serious”
“It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.”
- Important; weighty; not insignificant.
“This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.”
- 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?”
- Committed.
adv
Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-rós Proto-Italic *sēros Latin sērus Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius ? Proto-Indo-European *swer- Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *swerjos? Latin sērius Proto-Indo-European *h₃ed- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *h₃édosder.? Proto-Italic *-ōtsos or *-otsos Latin -ōsus Medieval Latin sēriōsus Old French serieuxbor. Middle English seryows English serious From Middle English seryows, from Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, an extension of Latin sērius (“grave, earnest, serious”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (“heavy”). (If this root is correct, cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer. However, see sērius for an alternative derivation of the Latin.)
- seriously, in a serious manner (most often heard in take or mean serious)
“The only time I walk out on singin' is when there's muckin' about and youse don't take it serious.”