seriously

Definition

In a serious or literal manner.

Etymology

From Middle English seriously, sereously, ceryously, seryowslech (“earnestly”), equivalent to serious + -ly.

Example Sentences

• "He was hoping that we would take him seriously."
• "Jimmy jokingly called Bob a doofus. Bob took the insult seriously."
• "“I’ll qualify the statement, then,” she answered, with a laugh. “We have known each other for two ages—hers and mine. But seriously we are as dear to each other as sisters, and now that I am going to lose her I am almost heartbroken.”"