serious

Definitions

1. adjective

   Not joking or smiling; grave.

   Examples

   • The captain always seemed serious, so it was a surprise to see him laugh.
   • She had a serious look on her face.
   ≈earnest≈solemn
2. adjective

   Important or very bad.

   Examples

   • This is a serious problem, so we need our best experts.
   • There was a serious risk of infection.
   ≈desperate
3. adjective

   Meaning what you say, not joking.

   Examples

   • He says he wants to buy the team, but is he serious?
   • I am serious about moving abroad.
4. adjective

   Giving a lot of time and effort to something.

   Examples

   • He is a serious student who studies late into the night.
   • She is a serious athlete and trains every day.
5. adverb

   In a serious way, in informal speech.

   Examples

   • You'd better take this serious, or you'll regret it.
   • I mean it serious.