Skip to main content
seriously

seriously

∞ 1.6
In a way that shows you mean what you say
  • adverb
  • /ˈsɪrɪəsli/
: seriamente
  • She spoke seriously about the need for more mental health resources in schools.
  • take seriously
  • seriously consider
  • more seriously

Haven't thought about marriage seriously till I met Matrix.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • You know, Billy, we take threats of terrorism very seriously around here.

  • And I took that part of the job very seriously.

  • Because the issue is how seriously will the music be received?

  • Your Honor, the defendants are not taking these charges seriously.

  • Finally, all students appeared to take the assessments seriously and took their time thoroughly answering the questions.

    Academic text (2011)
  • When the local Jewish federation wouldn't take the issue seriously, they launched a campaign of their own.

    Academic text (2011)
  • We can point out that creationism isn't taken seriously in any other developed nation.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The doctors took the patient's condition seriously and began immediate treatment.

  • He approached the project seriously, dedicating extra hours to ensure its success.

Synonyms

genuinely
vsseriously
207 2.5

In a real and honest way, not pretending

conveys nonplayful attitude rather than asserting factual truth
sincerely
vsseriously
165 1.0

In a way that shows true feelings without pretending

means a nonplayful attitude rather than emphasis on truthfulness
honestly
vsseriously
123 1.3

In a truthful way that shows you mean what you say

shows nonplayful attitude rather than focusing on truth or accuracy
in earnest
vsseriously
36 4.8

To do something with serious effort and not as a joke

shows a nonplayful attitude rather than focused deliberate effort
gravely
vsseriously
31 4.6

In a very serious way that shows something is important

is a nonplayful manner but less solemn and severe
earnestly
vsseriously
17 3.9

In a serious and honest way that shows a strong wish

expresses a plain nonplayful manner rather than deep heartfelt feeling

Antonyms

26 2.0

Said or done as a joke and not meant seriously

17 1.4

In a fun, teasing way

Idioms

seriously folks
  • Informal
6 9.5

A phrase that shows the speaker is serious after a joke

How Serious

solemnly
  • Formal
56 4.2
earnestly
17 3.9
seriously
∞ 1.6
casually
94 2.5
jokingly
26 2.0

Surface Forms

seriously positive

Morphology

seriously = serious (transparent) = serious + ly

Standard adverbial formation from the adjective 'serious' giving the meaning 'in a serious manner', which is directly compositional.

Etymology

Seriously comes from the adjective serious, from the Latin serius meaning 'important' or 'heavy'. So when you speak seriously, you are not joking and your words carry weight.