Se"ri*ous (?), a. [L. serius: cf. F. sérieux, LL. seriosus.] 1. Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile.

He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease.

2. Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving. Beaconsfield.

3. Important; weighty; not trifling; grave.

The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world.

4. Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury.

Syn. -- Grave; solemn; earnest; sedate; important; weighty. See Grave.

-- Se"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Se"ri*ous*ness, n.

Se"ri*ous (?), a. [L. serius: cf. F. sérieux, LL. seriosus.] 1. Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile.

He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease.

2. Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving. Beaconsfield.

3. Important; weighty; not trifling; grave.

The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world.

4. Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury.

Syn. -- Grave; solemn; earnest; sedate; important; weighty. See Grave.

-- Se"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Se"ri*ous*ness, n.

• Without humor or expression of happiness.
        It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.
  
• Leaving no room for play; needing great attention.
        This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
  
• Meaningful
        After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.