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.
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.
Hear it pronounced