seriously

Meanings

1. 1adverbcomparable

   In a way that shows you mean what you say and are not joking or careless.

   Grammar: Modifies verbs like speak, take, consider, and look; compare more seriously and most seriously.

   Patterns

   • take something seriously
   • speak seriously
   • consider something seriously

   Please take the safety rules seriously.

   She spoke seriously about changing careers.

   The board is seriously considering a move to remote work.

2. 2adverbcomparable

   To a large or dangerous degree; severely or importantly.

   Grammar: Often modifies injured, ill, damaged, or affected to show how bad the situation is.

   Patterns

   • seriously injured
   • seriously damaged
   • seriously affect something

   Two workers were seriously injured in the accident.

   The flood seriously damaged the bridge.

   High rents seriously affect young families in the city.

3. 3adverbnot comparableinformal

   Used at the start or middle of a remark to stress honesty, surprise, or strong feeling.

   Grammar: Works like a discourse marker: Seriously, we need to leave means I really mean this.

   Patterns

   • seriously, though
   • seriously?
   • I seriously doubt it

   Seriously, who leaves a freezer door open all night?

   I seriously doubt the plan will work without funding.

   You finished the whole report before lunch? Seriously?

Word forms

Common combinations

take something seriously

Employers should take harassment complaints seriously.

seriously injured

The cyclist was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

seriously consider

We are seriously consider adopting a four-day week.

seriously damage

The leak seriously damaged the stored records.

Synonyms and how they differ

gravely

Gravely is more solemn or alarming and fits formal warnings more than everyday sincerity.

severely

Severely means harshly or to a serious degree, especially injuries, punishment, or damage.

earnestly

Earnestly stresses sincere effort rather than importance or degree.

really

Really is informal emphasis; seriously can be sincere, emphatic, or degree-marking.

Opposites

Word family

serious adjective

Not joking; important, severe, or thoughtful.

seriousness noun

The quality of being important or sincere.

Commonly confused: seriously or severe?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “seriously”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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