Main Entry: se·ri·ous

Pronunciation: \ˈsir-ē-əs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English seryows, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French serious, from Late Latin seriosus, alteration of Latin serius weighty, serious; probably akin to Old English swǣr heavy, sad

Date: 15th century

1 : thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : sober <a quiet, serious girl>
2 a : requiring much thought or work <serious study> b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious play>
3 a : not joking or trifling : being in earnest <a serious question> b archaic : pious c : deeply interested : devoted <a serious musician>
4 a : not easily answered or solved <serious objections> b : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
5 : excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree <serious stereo equipment> <making serious money> <serious drinking>

— se·ri·ous·ness noun

synonyms serious, grave, solemn, sedate, staid, sober, earnest mean not light or frivolous. serious implies a concern for what really matters <a serious play about social injustice>. grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude <read the proclamation in a grave voice>. solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity <a sad and solemn occasion>. sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness <remained sedate amid the commotion>. staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint <a quiet and staid community>. sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity <a sober look at the state of our schools>. earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose <an earnest reformer>.