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Definition serious in British English

serious adjective

adjective
/ˈsɪəriəs/
1

bad or dangerous enough to make you worried

Example

The sale of the company will have serious implications for people's jobs.

Example

It's not a serious problem - we should be able to fix it without too much trouble.

Example

a serious head injury

Example

An accident like this poses a serious threat to the environment.

Example

This is an extremely serious matter.

Example

He has no serious competition for the post.

Synonyms and related words
important major key
3

meaning what you say or do, and not making a joke

Example

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were being serious.

Example

The police have made no serious attempt to address these issues.

Example

I'm not convinced they're serious about the deal.

Example

Do you think Mike's serious about going to live in New Zealand?

Example

'Are you serious about leaving your job?' 'Dead serious.'

Synonyms and related words
serious humourless substantial
Example

We'll have to give the situation some serious thought.

Synonyms and related words
careful cautious thorough
5

someone who is serious thinks carefully about things and does not laugh much

Example

Peter seems serious but he actually has a good sense of humour.

Synonyms and related words
serious humourless substantial
Example

Is Mary all right? She looked a bit serious.

Synonyms and related words
worried nervous upset
Example

serious books/music

Synonyms and related words
serious humourless substantial
7

if you are in a serious romantic relationship with someone, you intend to stay together for a long time

Example

Is it getting serious with you and June, then?

Example

He's never had a serious relationship with anyone.

8

involved in an activity in a way that shows you like it a lot and think it is important

Example

My father is a serious runner.

9

extreme, or large in amount

Example

We did some serious hiking last weekend.

Example

It's time you made some serious money.

Synonyms and related words
substantial considerable extensive
Definition serious in British English