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.

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