Serious
/ˈsɪəriəs/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjectiveImportant, dangerous, or needing careful thought.
adjectiveNot joking or playful.
Extra definitions
adjectiveImportant and needing attention.
adjectiveHaving a bad or dangerous effect.
adjectiveWithout humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition.
Sentence Examples
The accident caused serious damage.
We need a serious discussion.
She is serious about learning.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
From Middle English seryows, from Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, an extension of Latin sērius (“grave, earnest, serious”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (“heavy”). (If this root is correct, cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer. However, see sērius for an alternative derivation of the Latin.)
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“The only time I walk out on singin' is when there's muckin' about and youse don't take it serious.”
— 1957, Ray Lawler, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Sydney: Fontana Books, published 1974, page 68:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The accident caused ____ damage.