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 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; in earnest; not jocular or deceiving
    After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.

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Translations

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