ˈsɪərɪəs adj. 1
thoughtful, earnest,
sober, sedate,
responsible,
not reckless or
given to
trifling (has a serious
air; a serious
young person). 2
important, demanding
consideration (this is a serious matter). 3 not
slight or
negligible (a serious
injury; a serious offence). 4
sincere, in earnest, not ironical or joking (are
you serious?). 5 (of
music and literature) not merely
for amusement (opp.
LIGHT(2) 5a). 6 not
perfunctory (serious thought). 7 not to be trifled
with (a serious opponent). 8
concerned with
religion or
ethics (serious subjects). øøseriousness n. [ME f. OF serieux or LL seriosus f. L serius]