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.