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Serious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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serious

[ˈsɪərɪəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

showing deep thought and consideration; thoughtful

Synonyms

considerate, earnest, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serious

Used when talking about important matters or situations that require deep concentration or imply a lack of humor.

  • She gave him a serious look when he mentioned the accident.
  • This is a serious issue that needs to be resolved immediately.
thoughtful

Describes someone who is reflective and considerate of others, often showing a lot of care and attention in their actions, but not necessarily in a serious manner.

  • He sent her a thoughtful card for her birthday.
  • She gave him a thoughtful response after considering his question.
considerate

Describes someone who is thoughtful of others and shows careful regard for their feelings and needs.

  • He is a very considerate person, always thinking about how his actions affect others.
  • Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep the noise down.
earnest

Implies a depth of sincerity and a strong intent to be serious about a subject or task.

  • He spoke in earnest about his plans to improve the community.
  • She made an earnest effort to learn the new language.

Examples of usage

  • He gave me a serious look before answering the question.
  • She is a serious student who always completes her assignments on time.
Context #2 | Adjective

degree

significant or considerable in amount, value, or intensity

Synonyms

considerable, significant, substantial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serious

Used when describing something that is critical, severe, or important, often implying danger or urgency.

  • He has a serious injury
  • This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention
significant

Used when describing something that has noticeable or important impact, often implying meaningfulness or relevance.

  • The research results were significant for the scientific community
  • He made a significant contribution to the success of the event
substantial

Used when describing something that is large in size, value, or importance, often emphasizing solidity or abundance.

  • They have a substantial amount of evidence to support their claim
  • She received a substantial inheritance from her grandfather
considerable

Used when describing a large amount or degree of something, frequently stressing quantity or extent.

  • She has made considerable progress in her studies
  • The project required a considerable amount of time and effort

Examples of usage

  • The company suffered a serious financial loss last quarter.
  • She has a serious interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
Context #3 | Adjective

health

requiring urgent medical attention; not to be taken lightly

Synonyms

critical, grave, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
serious

Used when describing a situation or issue that requires careful consideration or attention. This word is neutral and often applies to matter-of-fact discussions.

  • It's a serious issue that we need to address immediately.
  • She has a serious illness that needs medical attention.
severe

Describes situations that are extreme or intense in nature. Often implies negative consequences and is frequently used in medical, weather, or disciplinary contexts.

  • The storm caused severe damage to the buildings.
  • He suffered from severe headaches that required medication.
critical

Refers to situations that are very important but can also imply urgency or a turning point. Often used in medical, technical, or assessment contexts.

  • The patient is in critical condition and needs immediate care.
  • We are at a critical juncture in our project development.
grave

Used to describe situations that are very serious and often carry a somber or negative connotation. Typically employed in formal or literary contexts.

  • He was faced with a grave decision that would affect many lives.
  • The warning from the government was grave and left the citizens worried.

Examples of usage

  • He was rushed to the hospital with a serious injury.
  • She was diagnosed with a serious illness that required immediate treatment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are serious often display high levels of conscientiousness, indicating a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
  • Seriousness can be associated with anxiety, as those who are serious may worry about outcomes more than others.
  • In social interactions, being serious can sometimes create distance, making connections less personal.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'serious business' has become popular in memes, often highlighting silly situations with an unexpectedly serious twist.
  • Many movies and books feature 'serious' characters who face moral dilemmas, showing the contrast between humor and gravity.
  • In music, serious themes often prevail in genres like classical and opera, where the emotional weight takes center stage.

Literature

  • Writers often use serious tones to evoke complex emotions, creating an atmosphere that engages readers on a deeper level.
  • The contrast between serious and humorous characters is a common literary device that enhances storytelling.
  • In poetry, the seriousness of a theme can elevate the message, giving it more impact and resonance.

Science

  • A serious approach to scientific inquiry emphasizes meticulous methodology and ethical considerations in research.
  • In psychology, serious expressions can impact non-verbal communication, influencing how messages are interpreted.
  • Seriousness in environmental issues highlights the urgency of climate change and the need for immediate action.

Origin of 'serious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'serius', which means 'weighty' or 'important'.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe something that was earnest or sincere.
  • The transformation of the word into Modern English began in the 14th century.

The word 'serious' originated from the Latin word 'serius', meaning 'weighty, important, or grave'. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass a range of contexts, from behavior to health. The term has been in use for centuries, reflecting the enduring relevance of concepts such as thoughtfulness, significance, and urgency.

Word Frequency Rank

At #901 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.