What does seriously mean?
Seriously is an adverb meaning in a serious manner, with careful attention, determination, or earnest intent. It can describe how someone acts, as in “She seriously considered the offer,” or how strongly someone feels, as in “They were seriously worried.” The word also has a common intensifying use: “seriously difficult,” “seriously outdated,” or “seriously expensive.” In informal conversation, it may stand alone as an exclamation expressing surprise, annoyance, or disbelief: “Seriously? You forgot the keys again?” Its meaning can therefore range from a precise description of earnest or consequential behavior to a broad, emphatic intensifier. Using it well depends on context: it is especially effective when the speaker wants to stress the importance, intensity, or unexpected scale of something.
adverbIn a serious manner, with full attention, seriousness, or intent. It can also mean to a significant or surprising extent, or be used as an informal expression emphasizing that something is not a joke.
- In a serious manner, with earnestness, attention, or intent.
- To a significant or surprising extent.
- As an informal exclamation expressing disbelief, frustration, or emphasis.
"He took the responsibility seriously and worked meticulously to ensure the project was completed on time."
"The mayor seriously apologized for the failure of the public inquiry."
"The repair bill was seriously higher than the initial estimate."
The word that can mean both “with complete seriousness” and “far more than you might expect.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seriously come from?
Seriously was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to serious. The adjective serious entered English in the late 16th century from Latin serius, a word associated with earnestness, gravity, or importance; the deeper origin of the Latin term is uncertain. Related English words include seriousness and, through the related Latin root severitas, severity.
How seriously is actually used
The intensifying sense, as in “seriously expensive,” is common in everyday speech. As an exclamation, it is informal and may sound impatient, surprised, or critical depending on context.
Easily confused with seriously
As an adverb, seriously means in a serious manner or to a significant extent; as an adjective, serious describes a person, situation, or matter that requires serious attention.