serious Hear it!

serious definition

se·ri·ous (sirē əs)

adjective

  1. of, showing, having, or caused by earnestness or deep thought; earnest, grave, sober, or solemn a serious person
    1. meaning what one says or does; not joking or trifling; sincere
    2. meant in earnestness; not said or done in play
  2. concerned with grave, important, or complex matters, problems, etc.; weighty a serious novel
  3. requiring careful consideration or thought; involving difficulty, effort, or considered action a serious problem
  4. giving cause for concern; dangerous a serious wound

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

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