adjective

serious

SEER-ee-uhs/ˈsɪriəs/

Calling for earnest attention rather than casual treatment.

The doctor and patient give the chest X-ray serious, focused attention.

A visibly serious medical consultation: a doctor and patient lean toward a chest X-ray, both unsmiling and intent, conveying grave attention rather than casual conversation.

Etymology

Latin seriosus carries the idea of gravity or earnestness. That connects important matters with a person's resolute purpose, and with acting in earnest rather than joking or pretending.

In context

Difference Guru1:08

both suspension and rustication are serious forms of academic discipline and they should not be taken lightly

Difference Between Suspend and Rusticate | Rusticated vs Suspended - Get the Scoop Here!

More examples

Ignoring that warning would be a serious mistake.
That's a serious offer, not a joke.
Your proposal deserves serious consideration before we vote.

Forms

serious · more serious · most serious

seriousness noun — The quality of requiring earnest attention.

seriously adverb — With earnest attention rather than casually.

Similar words

important: Emphasizes significance without necessarily suggesting concern or earnestness.
grave: Suggests greater urgency or potentially harmful consequences.