Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving; meaningful
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities; "a serious student of history"; "a serious attempt to learn to ski"; "gave me a serious look"; "a serious young man"; "are you serious or joking?"; "Don't be so serious!
When important matters are dealt with in a serious way, they are given careful and thoughtful consideration. My parents never really faced up to my drug use in any serious way It was a question which deserved serious consideration. + seriously se·ri·ous·ly The management will have to think seriously about their positions
causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm; "a dangerous operation"; "a grave situation"; "a grave illness"; "grievous bodily harm"; "a serious wound"; "a serious turn of events"; "a severe case of pneumonia"; "a life-threatening disease"
Important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play; needing great attention
If someone is serious about something, they are sincere about what they are saying, doing, or intending to do. You really are serious about this, aren't you? I hope you're not serious. + seriously se·ri·ous·ly Are you seriously jealous of Erica? + seriousness se·ri·ous·ness In all seriousness, there is nothing else I can do
Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile
Serious problems or situations are very bad and cause people to be worried or afraid. Crime is an increasingly serious problem in Russian society The government still face very serious difficulties Doctors said his condition was serious but stable. + seriously se·ri·ous·ly If this ban was to come in it would seriously damage my business They are not thought to be seriously hurt. + seriousness se·ri·ous·ness the seriousness of the crisis
Serious people are thoughtful and quiet, and do not laugh very often. He's quite a serious person + seriously se·ri·ous·ly They spoke to me very seriously but politely