26984 words

serious

14 definitions • 22 examples
1
severe in effect; bad:

Examples:

a serious illness
There were no reports of serious injuries.
The new tax regulations have landed some of the smaller companies in serious trouble.
Drugs have become a serious problem in a lot of schools.
This is a very serious offence.
He's been taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.
2
very ill
3
not joking or intended to be funny:

Examples:

Please don't laugh - I'm being serious.
He was wearing a very serious expression and I knew something was wrong.
On the surface it's a very funny novel but it does have a more serious underlying theme.
4
A serious person is quiet, thinks carefully about things, and does not laugh a lot:

Examples:

I remember her as a very serious child.
5

Examples:

Is she serious about going to live abroad?
6
If two people who have a loving relationship are serious about each other, they intend to stay with each other for a long time and possibly marry:

Examples:

She's had a lot of boyfriends but Simon's the only one she's been serious about.
7

Examples:

That's an interesting job offer - I'd give it some serious consideration if I were you.
We've got some serious talking to do, you and me.
8

Examples:

We did some fairly serious walking over the weekend.
I mean we're talking serious (= a large amount of) money, right?
9
very good of its type:

Examples:

This is a serious wine, Belle, you have to try some.
10
not joking; not intended to amuse:

Examples:

You can never tell when he’s serious.
11

Examples:

That’s an interesting job offer – I’d give it serious consideration if I were you.
12
severe in effect; bad:

Examples:

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
13

Examples:

Is she serious about moving to Nevada?
You have to start getting serious about your studies.
14
If two people who have a romantic relationship are serious about each other, they intend to continue the relationship and possibly marry.

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