Serious
Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:19 pm
Serious
Pronunciation: 'sir-E-&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English seryows, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French serious, from Late Latin seriosus, alteration of Latin serius weighty, serious; probably akin to Old English sw[AE]r heavy, sad
1 : thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : SOBER <a quiet, serious girl>
2 a : requiring much thought or work <serious study> b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious play>
3 a : not joking or trifling : being in earnest <a serious question> b archaic : PIOUS c : deeply interested : DEVOTED <a serious musician>
4 a : not easily answered or solved <serious objections> b : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
5 : excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree <serious stereo equipment> <making serious money> <serious drinking>
- se·ri·ous·ness noun
Pronunciation: 'sir-E-&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English seryows, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French serious, from Late Latin seriosus, alteration of Latin serius weighty, serious; probably akin to Old English sw[AE]r heavy, sad
1 : thoughtful or subdued in appearance or manner : SOBER <a quiet, serious girl>
2 a : requiring much thought or work <serious study> b : of or relating to a matter of importance <a serious play>
3 a : not joking or trifling : being in earnest <a serious question> b archaic : PIOUS c : deeply interested : DEVOTED <a serious musician>
4 a : not easily answered or solved <serious objections> b : having important or dangerous possible consequences <a serious injury>
5 : excessive or impressive in quality, quantity, extent, or degree <serious stereo equipment> <making serious money> <serious drinking>
- se·ri·ous·ness noun