adj. Function: adjective
1 not light or frivolous (as in disposition, appearance, or manner) FF1C; he was disturbed by her stern, serious look FF1E;
Synonyms: earnest, grave, no-nonsense, poker-faced, sedate, sober, sobersided, solemn, somber, staid, weighty
Related Words: businesslike, ||dern, determined, steady, steady-going; intent, serious-minded; contemplative, meditative, pensive, reflective, thoughtful; austere, severe, stern; humorless, unhumorous; grim
Idioms: serious as a judge
Contrasted Words: flighty, ||flip, flippant, frivolous, volatile; casual, easy, relaxed
Antonyms: light, unserious
2 expressing, involving, or characterized by seriousness or gravity (as of consequence) FF1C; a serious economic situation FF1E;
Synonyms: grave, heavy, severe, weighty
Related Words: important, significant; sobering; unamusing, unfunny, unhumorous; grim
Idioms: no joke, no laughing matter
Contrasted Words: inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant, unserious
Antonyms: trifling, trivial
3
Synonyms: HARD 6, arduous, difficult, formidable, heavy, laborious, operose, severe, strenuous, tough
4
Synonyms: GRAVE 3, dangerous, fell, grievous, major, ugly
Related Words: menacing, threatening