Se"ri*ous (?), a. [L. serius: cf. F. s'erieux, 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.
Macaulay.
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.
Young.
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.
© Webster 1913.