serious
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English seryows < Old French serieux < Mediaeval Latin seriousus, an extension of Latin serius (“‘grave, earnest, serious’”), perhaps for *sevrius and in effect another form of severus (“‘grave, serious, austere, severe’”).
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Adjective
serious (comparative more serious, superlative most serious)
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Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- 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.
- Important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play; needing great attention.
- This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
- Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving; meaningful.
- After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.
[edit] Synonyms
- See also Wikisaurus:serious
[edit] Antonyms
- (important, weighty): trifling, unimportant
- (intending what is said): jesting
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
without humor or expression of happiness
important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play
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really intending what is said; being in earnest
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
[edit] External links
- serious in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- serious in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
