serious
serious
(sɪəriəs )1. adjective
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 adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb, ADVERB with verb]
If this ban was to come in it would seriously damage my business.
They are not thought to be seriously hurt.
seriousness uncountable noun
...the seriousness of the crisis. [+ of]
2. adjective
I regard this as a serious matter.
Don't laugh boy. This is serious.
...the serious business of running the country.
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
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.
...serious discussions.
seriously adverb [ADVERB with verb]
The management will have to think seriously about their positions.
4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
...serious classical music.
There is no point reviewing a blockbuster as you might review a serious novel.
5. adjective
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? [+ about]
I hope you're not serious.
seriously adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb, ADVERB with verb]
Are you seriously jealous of Erica?
seriousness uncountable noun
In all seriousness, there is nothing else I can do.
They had shown a commitment and seriousness of purpose.
[Also + of]6. adjective
He's quite a serious person.
She looked at me with big, serious eyes.
seriously adverb [ADVERB with verb]
They spoke to me very seriously but politely.
7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
[informal]
He started earning serious money only in the sixties.
seriously adverb [ADVERB adjective]
What's it like to be seriously rich at 15?
