Serious: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.