serious

serious [sir′ē əs]

adj.

[ME seryows < ML seriosus < L serius, grave, orig., prob. weighty, heavy < ? IE base * swer- > OE swær, heavy, sad, Goth swers, important, orig., heavy]

1. of, showing, having, or caused by earnestness or deep thought; earnest, grave, sober, or solemn [a serious person]

2.

a) meaning what one says or does; not joking or trifling; sincere

b) meant in earnestness; not said or done in play

3. concerned with grave, important, or complex matters, problems, etc.; weighty [a serious novel]

4. requiring careful consideration or thought; involving difficulty, effort, or considered action [a serious problem]

5. giving cause for concern; dangerous [a serious wound]

seriously

adv.

seriousness

n.

SYN.- SERIOUS implies absorption in deep thought or involvement in something really important as distinguished from something frivolous or merely amusing [he takes a serious interest in the theater ]; GRAVE¹ implies the dignified weightiness of heavy responsibilities or cares [a grave expression on his face ]; SOLEMN suggests an impressive or awe-inspiring seriousness [a solemn ceremony ]; SEDATE¹ implies a dignified, proper, sometimes even prim seriousness [a sedate clergyman ]; EARNEST¹ suggests a seriousness of purpose marked by sincerity and enthusiasm [an earnest desire to help ]; SOBER implies a seriousness marked by temperance, self-control, emotional balance, etc. [a sober criticism ] -ANT. FRIVOLOUS, FLIPPANT