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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Serious: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：grave (serious)

serious 🔊

/ˈsɪriəs/

adj.

When something is serious, it is very important and not a joke. Bad things could happen if we don't pay attention.

Doctor with serious expression pointing to X-ray

grave 🔊

➕

/ɡreɪv/

adj.

Referring to something that is extremely important and demands careful attention, often because it involves potential risks or severe consequences.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'serius' meaning grave or earnest.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a judge with a stern face saying 'This is serious.'

📖 Example

The doctor told me it was a serious illness and I needed to rest immediately. 🔊 The doctor told me it was a serious illness and I needed to rest immediately.

🔗 Collocations

serious illness – A disease that is life-threatening or requires immediate care

serious problem – An issue that has significant negative consequences if not solved

serious injury – A physical harm that is severe and may lead to long-term damage

🔄 Synonyms

severe (adj.) – Extremely intense or harsh, often used for conditions or situations.

critical (adj.) – Of the highest importance, often involving a decisive point.

grave (adj.) – Serious in a solemn or weighty manner, often implying danger.

🚫 Antonyms

trivial (adj.) – Of little value or importance.

minor (adj.) – Lesser in severity or significance.

slight (adj.) – Small in degree; not serious.

🌱 Derivatives

seriously (adv.) – In a serious manner.

seriousness (n.) – The quality or state of being serious.

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English from Old French 'serieux' (Latin 'serius'). In modern use, it often appears in legal and medical contexts to denote high severity.

Meaning 2：earnest (serious)

serious 🔊

/ˈsɪriəs/

adj.

A serious person is not joking or playful. They think carefully and focus on what they are doing.

Focused student reading textbook in library

earnest 🔊

➕

/ˈɜːrnɪst/

adj.

Describing a person who is focused, sincere, and not inclined to joke or be frivolous.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My sister is a very serious student; she studies for hours every night. 🔊 My sister is a very serious student; she studies for hours every night.

🔗 Collocations

serious student – A learner who is dedicated and works hard without distraction

serious expression – A facial look that shows concentration or gravity

serious conversation – A discussion about important matters that requires thoughtful attention

🔄 Synonyms

earnest (adj.) – Showing sincere and intense conviction.

solemn (adj.) – Formal and dignified, not cheerful or joking.

grave (adj.) – Serious in manner or appearance, often conveying weight.

🚫 Antonyms

playful (adj.) – Fond of games and amusement; lighthearted.

frivolous (adj.) – Not having any serious purpose or value.

lighthearted (adj.) – Cheerful and carefree.

🌱 Derivatives

seriously (adv.) – In a serious manner.

seriousness (n.) – The quality or state of being serious.