A2adjective 1K

Serious

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsɪəriəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsɪriəs/"]/

Meaning of Serious

bad or dangerous

In simple words: Not joking; important

Serious in a sentence

• He has a serious expression on his face.
• This is a serious problem that needs to be solved.
• She is serious about studying for her exams.
• I think he is joking, but he seems serious.
• You need to take this matter serious if you want to succeed.

How to use Serious

Use 'serious' to describe someone who is focused or an important situation. Avoid using it in lighthearted contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a serious face that shows no smiles.

Related words

Collocations with Serious

• be
• look
• seem
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• for
• nothing serious
• serious enough to warrant something
• be
• look
• sound
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• about

Synonyms for Serious

• grave
• earnest
• important
• sincere
• solemn

Opposites of Serious

• funny
• light-hearted
• playful

Common mistakes with Serious

• Confused with 'seriously' as an adverb instead of an adjective.
• Using 'serious' in a casual context where 'funny' is more appropriate.
• Mispronouncing it, leading to misunderstanding.

Frequently asked questions about Serious

What does Serious mean?

Not joking; important

What is the definition of Serious?

bad or dangerous

How do you use Serious in a sentence?

He has a serious expression on his face.

Can you give another example of Serious?

This is a serious problem that needs to be solved.

What are synonyms for Serious?

Common alternatives include grave, earnest, important, sincere, solemn.

What is the opposite of Serious?

Opposite meanings include funny, light-hearted, playful.

What words go with Serious?

It commonly pairs with be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very, for, nothing serious, serious enough to warrant something, be, look, sound, extremely, fairly, very, about.

What are common mistakes when using Serious?

Confused with 'seriously' as an adverb instead of an adjective. Using 'serious' in a casual context where 'funny' is more appropriate. Mispronouncing it, leading to misunderstanding.

How do you pronounce Serious?

US: /["/ˈsɪriəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsɪəriəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Serious?

Use 'serious' to describe someone who is focused or an important situation. Avoid using it in lighthearted contexts.

What CEFR level is Serious?

"Serious" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.