serious

Definition

Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition.

Etymology

From Middle English seryows, from Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, an extension of Latin sērius (“grave, earnest, serious”), from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (“heavy”). Cognate with German schwer (“heavy, difficult, severe”), Old English swǣr (“heavy, grave, grievous”). More at swear, sweer.

Example Sentences

• "deadly serious"
• "It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily."
• "This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts."

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