serious
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
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[edit]
Adjective[edit]
serious (comparative seriouser or more serious, superlative seriousest or most serious)
- 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; critical.
- 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.
Synonyms[edit]
- See also Wikisaurus:serious
Antonyms[edit]
- (important, weighty): trifling, unimportant
- (intending what is said): jesting
Derived terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
without humor or expression of happiness
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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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External links[edit]
- serious in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- serious in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
Statistics[edit]
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Most common English words before 1923: access · ways · grave · #952: serious · possession · move · foreign
