serious

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♦♦♦ se|ri|ous /s'ɪəriəs/
1 [ADJ]
Serious problems or situations are very bad and cause people to be worried or afraid.
Crime is an increasingly serious problem in Russian society...
The government still face very serious difficulties...
Doctors said his condition was serious but stable.
● seriously [ADV] ADV adj/adv, ADV with v
If this ban was to come in it would seriously damage my business...
They are not thought to be seriously hurt.
● seriousness [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n
...the seriousness of the crisis.
2 [ADJ]
Serious matters are important and deserve careful and thoughtful consideration.
I regard this as a serious matter...
Don't laugh boy. This is serious.
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
When important matters are dealt with in a serious way, they are given careful and thoughtful consideration.
My parents never really faced up to my drug use in any serious way...
It was a question which deserved serious consideration.
● seriously [ADV] ADV with v
The management will have to think seriously about their positions.
4 [ADJ] ADJ n
Serious music or literature requires concentration to understand or appreciate it.
There is no point reviewing a blockbuster as you might review a serious novel.
5 [ADJ] oft ADJ about n
If someone is serious about something, they are sincere about what they are saying, doing, or intending to do.
You really are serious about this, aren't you?...
I hope you're not serious.
● seriously [ADV] ADV adj/adv, ADV with v
Are you seriously jealous of Erica?
● seriousness [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n
In all seriousness, there is nothing else I can do...
6 [ADJ]
Serious people are thoughtful and quiet, and do not laugh very often.
He's quite a serious person...
● seriously [ADV] ADV with v
They spoke to me very seriously but politely.

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