Seriousness
ˈsɪəriəsnəs
Definitions
The state or quality of being serious; earnestness; gravity; importance.
ˈsɪəriəsnəs
The state or quality of being serious.
The doctor's face showed the seriousness of the diagnosis.
💡 Simply: Seriousness is like when you're facing something that requires your full attention and respect, like when you're talking to someone who's really upset, or when your parents need to discuss a very important topic.
👶 For kids: When you are being serious, you are not joking and you're being very careful and thinking carefully.
More Examples
The judge was clearly concerned about the seriousness of the charges.
She approached the task with unwavering seriousness.
How It's Used
"The seriousness of the situation was evident on everyone's faces."
"The candidate addressed the nation with a tone of seriousness."
"The judge assessed the seriousness of the crime."
Idioms & expressions
take something seriously
Consider something to be important and worthy of attention.
"We need to take this problem seriously."
in all seriousness
To be completely honest and sincere.
"In all seriousness, I think we need to discuss this further."
From Middle English *seriousness*, from serious + -ness. Serious comes from Late Latin *serius* meaning 'grave, important'.
The concept of seriousness has been present throughout literature and historical accounts, reflecting the importance of earnestness and gravity in different eras.
Memory tip
Think of 'serious' and add '-ness' for the state of being so.
Word Origin
"grave, important"