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serious

se·ri·ous [ sree əss ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. very bad or great: very great, bad, dangerous, harmful, or difficult to handle

2. important: important or grave enough to require thought and attention
a serious difference of opinion

3. thoughtful or thought-provoking: discussing or dealing with matters in a thoughtful or thought-provoking way, as opposed to in a superficial or merely entertaining manner
a serious discussion of the issues

4. not lighthearted: quiet, thoughtful, not laughing or making jokes very often, and always being sensible

5. meaning something literally: not joking, pretending, or exaggerating about something
Do you think she's serious about helping us out?

6. dedicated to something: showing great interest in or commitment to an endeavor, skill, or pastime
a serious stamp collector

7. likely to succeed: having a possibility of success, or showing an intention to succeed
serious candidates for the job

8. substantial: substantial or sustained rather than trivial or insignificant ( informal )
I've invested serious money in this venture.

[15th century. Via French< late Latin seriosus< Latin serius]

se·ri·ous·ness noun
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