a. [ L. serius: cf. F. sérieux, LL. seriosus. ] 1. Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile. [ 1913 Webster ]
He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving. Beaconsfield. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Important; weighty; not trifling; grave. [ 1913 Webster ]
The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Grave; solemn; earnest; sedate; important; weighty. See Grave. [ 1913 Webster ]
-- Se"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Se"ri*ous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]