Seriously
/ˈsɪəriəsli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a serious manner or to a serious degree; earnestly; sincerely.
/ˈsɪəriəsli/
In a serious manner
She took the situation seriously and started to take actions.
💡 Simply: When you're saying something is true or important, or when you're saying something is happening a lot. Like, "I'm seriously hungry!" or "He's seriously good at basketball."
👶 For kids: When you mean it, like you're not joking! If you say "I'm seriously happy!", that means you're really, really happy!
More Examples
They are seriously considering moving to another country.
The weather is seriously bad, we have to be careful.
Are you seriously suggesting that?
How It's Used
"He was seriously injured in the accident."
"I'm seriously considering quitting my job."
Used to express disbelief, surprise, or emphasis.
/ˈsɪəriəsli/
Used to express disbelief or surprise
Seriously? You saw a unicorn?
💡 Simply: You use this when you can't believe what someone just said, or to show you're really surprised. Like when your friend says they saw a flying pig, you might say, "Seriously?!"
👶 For kids: A way to say "Wow, I can't believe that!" or "Are you sure?"
More Examples
Seriously, that's amazing!
Seriously! I can't believe it.
Seriously? You ate all of the pizza?
How It's Used
"Seriously? You won the lottery?"
Idioms & expressions
Seriously though
Used to introduce a serious point or comment, often after a less serious remark.
""That's a crazy story." Seriously though, we need to discuss the budget."
Take something seriously
To regard something as important and worthy of attention or consideration.
"He didn't take my advice seriously."
From the adjective "serious" + -ly. "Serious" comes from Latin "serius," meaning "grave, important."
Used since the late 17th century, initially as an adverb modifying verbs, and later as an interjection.
Memory tip
Think of the word "serious" and add "-ly" to remember this form.
Word Origin
"grave, important"