单词	serious
释义	seriousse‧ri‧ous /ˈsɪəriəs $ ˈsɪr-/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective Entry menu MENU FOR seriousserious1 situation/problem2 important3 not joking or pretending4 careful5 quiet/sensible6 worried/unhappy7 romantic relationship8 sport/activity9 very good10 large amount Word Origin WORD ORIGINserious Origin: 1400-1500 French sérieux, from Late Latin seriosus, from Latin serius Examples EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES All the other people in the office seemed to have a very serious attitude towards their work. At school we had to read works by serious writers like Shakespeare and Milton. Ben's been involved in a serious car accident. Friends described him as a serious and thoughtful man. He's always serious, but he still makes me laugh. I must admit I find the serious newspapers rather boring. In the last two weeks, the situation has become more serious, with riots and strikes spreading across the country. JJ and Chuck seemed pretty serious. Laura was always very serious about her work. My brother is a serious golfer. Paying serious attention to public opinion is a recent phenomenon. That's a pretty serious Swiss Army knife. The band are only young, but they're very serious about their music. The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. The climbers got into serious difficulties and had to be air-lifted to safety. The recent storms have caused serious damage. Violent crime is a serious and growing problem throughout the country. Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital. We'll give your point serious consideration. We both chuckled for a second, then got serious again. EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS A pregnancy undertaken at a time of serious illness or death of a family member will bear added stress. All were treated at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center, five of them for serious injuries, a spokeswoman said. First, because markets are imperfect in various ways they will tolerate serious levels of inefficiency. I've just had a serious phone call. I have serious reservations about the power supply being installed inside the box, it really isn't safe enough. One scored a direct hit but, despite being showered with glass, there were no serious injuries. Stahl is serious, well educated, obedient, ambitious, and keeps his sense of humor out of sight. Unfortunately it was more serious than that. Thesaurus THESAURUSvery bad► serious very bad – used about problems, accidents, illnesses, or crimes: · Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital.· The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.· Fortunately, the damage to the car was not serious. ► severe very serious – used about problems, injuries, and illnesses: · He suffered severe injuries in a car crash.· The problem became so severe that they had to bring water in from other countries.· severe epilepsy ► grave used about a situation that is very serious and worrying, especially because it is dangerous or seems likely to get worse: · A thick fog descended and I knew that we were in grave danger.· The situation is grave – war now seems inevitable. ► acute used about an illness, problem, or situation that has become very serious or dangerous, and needs to be dealt with quickly: · She was taken to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis.· In San Diego, the shortage of skilled workers is acute. ► desperate used about a situation or problem that is very serious or dangerous, especially because a lot of people need urgent help: · The situation is desperate – people here need aid before the harsh winter sets in.· The hospital is full of people in desperate need of medical attention. ► critical used about a situation that is very serious and dangerous and might get worse suddenly: · In 1991, the food supply situation became critical.· Eight people were killed and four are still in a critical condition. ► life-threatening used about a situation, illness, or condition in which someone could die: · Her child had a potentially life-threatening illness.· The situation was not life-threatening, but it was very worrying. ► be a matter of life and death spoken to be extremely serious – used when a situation is very urgent or important: · For people living with HIV, getting the right treatment is literally a matter of life and death. not joking► serious not joking or laughing, or not pretending: · His voice sounded serious.· They seem to be serious about their relationship. ► solemn very serious because of an important or sad occasion or ceremony: · My father looked solemn, the way grown-ups look at funerals.· The judge read the verdict in a solemn voice. ► grave written quiet and very serious – used especially about the way people look when something important or worrying happens: · She consulted Doctor Staples and returned looking grave.· He listened with a grave expression on his face. ► sombre British English (also somber American English) written sad, quiet, or serious because something unpleasant or worrying has happened or is going to happen: · They sat in sombre silence.· The meeting began in a sombre mood. ► earnest very serious and sincere – often used about someone who is young and not very experienced: · He was a rather earnest-looking young man.· ‘That’s wrong,’ she said, her voice sounding very earnest. Longman Language Activatorwhen a situation, problem accident etc is bad► serious very bad - use this about problems, accidents, illnesses, or crimes: · The recent storms have caused serious damage.· The climbers got into serious difficulties and had to be air-lifted to safety.· In the last two weeks, the situation has become more serious, with riots and strikes spreading across the country.· Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital.· The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. ► bad a problem, illness, or accident that is bad is severe, and makes you feel worried: · The pain was really bad.· Paul's off work - he's got a bad cold.· Judy had been in a bad car crash several years before, and was still too nervous to drive.things are bad (=a situation is bad) spoken: · Things are bad in York - some people's houses have been flooded three times. ► grave formal a grave situation or mistake is very serious and worrying because people are in danger and because the situation seems likely to get worse: · The situation is grave -- war now seems inevitable.· The ambassador declared that there would be grave consequences if the hostages were not released.grave danger: · A thick fog descended on the mountain, and I knew that we were in grave danger.grave risk: · There was a grave risk that the operation would leave him partly paralysed.grave mistake/error: · "It would be a grave mistake," said the president, "to ignore the problem, and pretend that it will go away." ► critical a critical situation is very serious and dangerous and might get worse very suddenly - use this especially when people will die if it does not improve: · The situation is said to be critical and the army has been brought in to disperse the mob.· Things are now critical. Hospitals have no medicine, and people are running out of food.be in a critical conditionBritish /be in critical condition American (=so ill or badly injured that you could die): · Eight people were killed and four are still in a critical condition. ► desperate a desperate situation or problem is very serious or dangerous, and it does not seem possible that it will improve - use this especially when people will die if it does not improve: · Refugees on the border are living in appalling conditions with desperate shortages of food, medicine and water.· The situation was desperate. The enemy were now only a mile away.be in desperate need of something: · The hospital is full of people in desperate need of medical attention. ► acute an acute illness, problem, or situation is one that has become very serious or dangerous, and needs to be dealt with quickly: · She was taken to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis.· Patients suffering from acute depression may well need medication.· Nowhere is the problem more acute than Los Angeles County, where gang-related homicide is on the increase.· In San Diego, the shortage of skilled workers is acute. ► grim a situation or piece of news that is grim is serious and unpleasant, and people think it will not get better: · The situation is grim for the innocent people, caught up in this conflict.· Rescue workers are continuing the grim task of searching for bodies.grim news: · The next few weeks brought more grim news, as the economic crisis began to deepen. grim prospect (=something bad that will probably happen): · Two thousand car workers face the grim prospect of redundancy.things look grim (=the situation seems grim): · Things look pretty grim for farmers at the moment. ► be no laughing matter spoken use this to say that something is serious and not something you should joke about: · Getting up for work at 5am every day is no laughing matter, especially in winter.· English teachers often joked that they could not pass the exam, but for the students it was no laughing matter. ► be a matter of life and death/be a matter of life or death if a situation is a matter of life and death , it is very serious, and what you do will affect whether the situation ends well or not - use this especially when it is possible that someone will die: · People grow their own food, and the success of their harvest is literally a matter of life or death.· In this town football isn't just a game - it's a matter of life and death. ► be no joke informal if you say that a situation or event is no joke , it is difficult or unpleasant: · It's no joke if you have an accident in the mountains -- it's fifty miles to the nearest hospital.· Crossing the road was no joke with all the early morning traffic. a bad situation that might get worse► crisis a very bad situation in which there is a risk that serious problems will become suddenly worse - use this about political or economic affairs or personal or emotional problems: · Their marriage was going through a crisis which almost ended in divorce.· The Cuban missile crisis in 1960 was probably the closest we have been to nuclear war.· In recent years, the country has suffered a profound political and economic crisis, and deprivation is acute.in crisis: · The Health Service is in crisis.· a charity set up to help families in crisisin a crisis: · We need someone who can stay calm in a crisis.spark a crisis (=cause a crisis to start): · The President announced his resignation, sparking a crisis in the government. ► emergency a very serious situation, such as an accident, that happens suddenly and needs to be dealt with immediately: · Staff are trained to deal with any emergency.· A fire started in the cargo area, and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing.· The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. in an emergency (=if there is an emergency): · In an emergency, dial 911 for police, the fire department or an ambulance.the emergency services British (=the organizations that come to help you if there is an emergency): · The emergency services in this area simply couldn't cope if there were a major accident or terrorist attack. to really mean what you say► be serious to really mean what you say or really intend to do something: · Do you think she was serious when she said she used to be an actress?· Listen! I'm serious! I'm not lending you any more money!be serious about: · Tina's quite intelligent, but she's not really serious about her schoolwork.serious about doing something: · I hope Jeff's serious about giving up smoking.get serious about something (=start dealing with a problem in a determined way): · Car manufacturers should get serious about making security a design priority.deadly serious (=extremely serious): · Her voice suddenly sounded deadly serious.be perfectly/absolutely serious (=be serious in a situation where it is hard to believe that someone could be): · "Look!" he said, "I am perfectly serious. I'm willing to give you $10,000 for your land." ► mean if someone means what they say, they are being serious when they say it, and they are not pretending or lying: mean it especially spoken: · I mean it - I'll scream if you don't let me go.· She told me she loved me - but I wasn't sure if she meant it.mean what you say: · I meant what I said, I never want to see you again. ► not joking if you say you are not joking , you really mean what you say, even though it seems surprising or unlikely: · There must be about 10 of them in that car - I'm not joking.· She told him she'd call the police if he bothered her again, and she wasn't joking. ► seriously if you say or do something seriously , you really mean it, really intend to do it, or really think it is important: · Are you seriously suggesting that she should give up her job in order to look after her husband?seriously intend/want/attempt etc to do something: · Those who seriously attempt to kill themselves usually manage to do so.seriously concerned/interested/worried etc: · She was talking about children's social education at a time when no one else was seriously concerned with it. ► mean business spoken if someone means business , it is very clear that they will definitely do what they say or what they are threatening to do: · The man had a gun. It was obvious he meant business. ► be in earnest if someone is in earnest , they really mean what they say, especially when they are saying what they want or what they intend to do: · I'm sure he was in earnest when he said he wanted to marry her.be very much in earnest: · She spoke lightly, but it was obvious that she was very much in earnest. to believe someone really means what they say► take somebody seriously to believe that what someone says or does is serious, and worth paying attention to: · Kevin paused for a moment, not sure if Ralph would take him seriously.· He said he was going to build a boat in his back yard, but I didn't take him seriously! used to tell someone that you are serious, or to ask if someone is serious► really/seriously spoken say this to emphasize that something surprising is really true, or to ask whether something surprising is really true: really?/seriously?: · "She's quit her job. "Seriously?''· "It took three hours to travel ten miles, the traffic was so bad.'' "Really? You must be exhausted.'' ► no kidding especially American, spoken say this when you think other people will not believe that you are telling the truth, or to ask if someone is joking because what they say does not seem true: · I'm telling you, this guy's as fast as Carl Lewis -- no kidding!· "She's getting married again." "No kidding?" ► in all seriousness spoken say this when you are telling someone about something that will be hard for them to believe: · He asked me, in all seriousness, if I would marry him next week.· She had heard someone say, in all seriousness, that women would never make good golfers because of the shape of their bodies. ► joking apart British spoken say this to show that you are now being serious about something, after you and other people have been joking about it: · Joking apart, I do feel somebody should tell him what we think. It's for his own good. someone who is quiet and does not laugh or joke much► serious someone who is serious is quiet and sensible, and does not seem to enjoy laughing and joking: · Friends described him as a serious and thoughtful man.serious about: · Laura was always very serious about her work. ► earnest someone who is earnest is very serious or too serious, and believes that what they say or do is very important - use this especially about someone who is young or not very experienced: · One earnest young man asked De Mille about the philosophical meaning of his films.· a group of earnest musicians dressed completely in black ► sober someone who is sober is very serious and thinks carefully about things, and does not laugh or joke very often: · I went to see Professor Dandavate, a sober and respected academic. · a sober-looking man in a grey suit ► have no sense of humour British /have no sense of humor American someone who has no sense of humour does not understand jokes, funny situations, etc - use this especially when you think someone like this is annoying or boring: · He didn't laugh at any of my jokes. Maybe taxi drivers just don't have a sense of humor.· My grandmother didn't have much of a sense of humour, and she could never understand what we were laughing about. ► stuffy someone who is stuffy does not laugh or smile at things that other people think are funny, because they are a little formal and have old-fashioned attitudes: · Victor was as old-fashioned as his father, and equally stuffy.· Come on Dad. Don't be so stuffy! ► humourless British /humorless American someone who is humourless never laughs at anything and never tries to be funny or tell jokes: · I knew Deaver at college, and remember him as cold, humorless, and aloof.· Since the death of his wife he has become isolated, defensive and humorless. behaving in a serious way► serious if someone says or does something in a serious way, they think that what they are saying or doing is important and should not be joked about: · All the other people in the office seemed to have a very serious attitude towards their work.serious about: · The band are only young, but they're very serious about their music. ► take something seriously to think that something is important, and spend a lot of time and effort on it: · I wish Dan would take his work more seriously.· She certainly takes her politics seriously -- she's always out at meetings.take life seriously (=think that everything in life is very important and serious): · He seemed much older than he was, and took life a little too seriously. ► grave written quiet and very serious, especially because something important or worrying has happened: · Holmes looked grave, and stood deep in worried thought for a minute or two.· His expression became very grave when we told him what had happened. ► solemn very serious because of an important or sad occasion or ceremony: · Everyone stood respectfully, and looked solemn throughout the funeral service.· The judge read the verdict in a clear and solemn voice. ► sombre British /somber American sad, quiet, and serious because something unpleasant or worrying has happened or is going to happen: · They sat in somber silence.· The sun was shining brightly, but the mood was sombre. ► grim serious and not smiling, because you are angry, upset, or worried about something: · She looked grim and upset, standing silently in the corner.· A grim-faced diplomat read out the declaration of war. to look serious when you are joking► keep a straight face to stop yourself from laughing or smiling when you are joking or when you think something is funny: · Barbara tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she just couldn't help laughing.· He looked so ridiculous -- I don't know how I managed to keep a straight face. ► straightfaced if you say something straightfaced , you do not show by your expression that it is just a joke and is not really true: · Lea told him, completely straightfaced, that sunglasses are called moonglasses in Canada. ► deadpan if you do or say something funny in a deadpan way, you deliberately do or say it without smiling or laughing: · Laurel and Hardy played all their great comic roles completely deadpan.· the deadpan humour of TV comic Paul Merton· His tone was completely deadpan, and it was difficult to tell if he was joking or not. to tell someone to stop being too serious► lighten up spoken use this to tell someone not to be so serious about something and to relax about it: · Hey, lighten up! It's only a game, you know!· "But we're not supposed to leave campus at lunchtime, we'll get into trouble.'' "Lighten up, it'll be fine.'' serious books, ideas etc that are intended for intelligent people► intellectual · She likes reading those trendy intellectual magazines about politics and society.· There seemed to be remarkably few cultural or intellectual events for the undergraduates at the university. ► scholarly a book, article, or other piece of writing that is scholarly deals with a serious subject and is written in a very detailed way after a lot of study: · The organization is dedicated to scholarly research on life in the next millennium.· Fullington discovered 11 new species of land snails and wrote more than 90 scholarly articles and books. ► highbrow intended for very intelligent and educated people and therefore not interesting for a lot of people: · He picked up a book that was lying on the floor. It was something highbrow - Kafka, I think.· Readers of tabloid newspapers are less interested in politics and less likely to tune into highbrow news programmes. ► profound something such as an idea or statement that is profound shows a lot of knowledge and understanding of a serious subject: · The book contains a great many profound insights into human behaviour.· Further research has resulted in a more profound appreciation of the problem.· Burton's lecture was amusing as well as being profound. ► serious dealing with a subject in an intelligent and sincere way rather than in an amusing way: · I must admit I find the serious newspapers rather boring.· At school we had to read works by serious writers like Shakespeare and Milton. to not intend to do something► not intend to do something if you do not intend to do something, you have decided that you will not do it: · She had not intended to speak at the meeting, but felt she had to.· I haven't seen the film, and I don't intend to. ► not mean to do something especially spoken use this to say that, although you did something, you did not do it deliberately: · They hadn't meant to stay out so late.· Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. ► have no intention of doing something formal if you have no intention of doing something, you have firmly decided that you will definitely not do it: · Mr Brown announced that he had no intention of resigning.· The deadline is unreasonable, and they have no intention of trying to meet it. ► have no plans to do something/not have any plans to do something if you have no plans to do something, you have not made a decision to do it, although you may decide to do it at a later time: · She has no plans to retire.· He has lived in Thailand for five years, and does not have any plans to go back to the States. ► not be serious especially spoken to not really intend to do something that you have said that you will do: · He keeps saying he's going to quit, but I don't think he's serious.not be serious about: · Critics said the government wasn't serious about the environment.you can't be serious spoken (=say this when you are surprised about what someone has said they intend to do): · You can't be serious about moving to New Orleans. Collocations COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns► a serious problem · Vandalism is a serious problem in the area. ► a serious injury/illness · The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries. ► a serious accident · He is recovering from a serious accident. ► serious damage · The explosion sparked a fire which caused serious damage to their flat. ► a serious threat · In the developed world, over-consumption is now a serious threat to health. ► a serious crime/offence · Kidnapping is a serious crime. ► serious trouble · The economy was in serious trouble. ► serious consequences · Neglecting to make a proper will can have serious consequences. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bad/serious accident · There’s been a bad accident on the freeway.· The road is closed following a serious accident. ► serious accusation · These are very serious accusations indeed. ► a real/serious alternative · Co-operation offers the only real alternative. ► a serious assault · Last year, serious assaults increased by 40%. ► a serious/genuine attempt · This is the first serious attempt to tackle the problem. ► a big/major/serious/heavy blow · The earthquake was a serious blow to the area’s tourism industry. ► severe/serious burns  She was taken to the hospital with serious burns. Several of the survivors suffered severe burns. ► a serious challenge · At the moment we are facing a serious environmental challenge. ► a serious charge · Drinking and driving is a very serious charge. ► a serious clash · This was one of the most serious clashes since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire. ► strong/serious competition · The company is facing strong competition in the market. ► a strong/serious competitor · In the global economy, China is emerging as a strong competitor. ► a serious complaint · Serious complaints of negligence have been made. ► great/serious/considerable concern · The spread of the disease is an issue of considerable concern. ► mild/serious concussion  He suffered a mild/serious concussion as a result of the accident. ► serious consequences (=bad and important)· Too much fishing in these seas has had serious consequences. ► serious consideration · At the time, I didn’t give his suggestion serious consideration. ► a serious/severe constraint · The country's debts put serious constraints on its economic growth. ► serious/strong/leading etc contender  Her album is a strong contender for the Album of the Year award. ► (a) serious crime · Kidnapping is a very serious crime. ► a major/serious/deep/severe crisis · Our farming industry has been hit by a serious crisis. ► serious/severe damage · The earthquake caused severe damage to a number of buildings. ► grave/serious danger (=very great)· You have put us all in grave danger. ► a serious defect · The movie has a few serious defects. ► a considerable/serious delay (=very long)· After a considerable delay, the report was finally published. ► major/serious/severe difficulties · By then, we were having serious financial difficulties. ► a difficult/serious dilemma · He was in a serious dilemma because neither option seemed very desirable. ► a serious/severe disadvantage · Public transport is very bad here, which is a serious disadvantage. ► a strong/serious disagreement · If you have a serious disagreement at work, talk to someone about it. ► serious disease · vaccines against serious diseases like hepatitis and meningitis ► a serious disturbance · There were serious disturbances in a number of British cities. ► serious/grave doubts · They have some serious doubts as to his honesty. ► a serious/major embarrassment (=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club. ► a serious emergency (=a situation which involves danger to people)· The police usually respond quickly to serious emergencies. ► serious/severe erosion · Some areas of the coast have suffered severe erosion. ► serious/significant erosion · The demonstrators were protesting about the serious erosion of individual freedoms. ► a serious/bad error · The police made a serious error, which resulted in a young man’s death. ► a serious expression (=one that shows you are not joking)· I saw the serious expression on his little face and tried not to laugh. ► sad/serious face · Maggie looked at him with a sad face. ► serious/major/basic/minor etc flaw  a slight flaw in the glass ► serious flooding  The heavy rain has led to serious flooding in some areas. ► severe/serious/extreme hardship (=very bad)· The 1930s brought severe hardship to the Midwest, especially for Oklahoma. ► great/serious/significant harm · If you drink too much alcohol, you can do yourself serious harm. ► a serious/major hazard · Lead pipes are a serious hazard to health. ► serious/severe illness · His illness is more severe than the doctors first thought. ► important/serious implications · The results of the experiment could have important implications for scientists. ► a serious incident · The road is closed following a serious incident earlier today. ► serious/severe infection · He was admitted to hospital with a serious infection. ► serious injury · The injury wasn’t serious. ► severe/serious/important limitations · This approach to the problem has serious limitations. ► a serious/important matter · It is a very serious matter to mislead the police. ► serious misconduct  He was fired for serious misconduct. ► grave/great/serious/severe misgivings (=serious and important worries)· Most of us have grave misgivings about the idea of human cloning. ► a serious/grave mistake · There was a serious mistake in the instructions. ► a serious/grave mistake · The decision to take the money was a serious mistake. ► a serious/terrible misunderstanding · There have been some serious misunderstandings which have led to conflict. ► a serious/major objection · There were serious objections to using the videotaped evidence at the trial. ► a major/serious obstacle · Debt is a major obstacle to economic growth.· There are serious obstacles to obtaining sufficient funding. ► a serious offence · serious offences such as murder or armed robbery ► serious/notable/major omission  Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission. ► a realistic/real/serious option (=something that you can really choose to do)· I wanted to start my own business but financially it was never a realistic option. ► great/grave/serious peril  The economy is now in grave peril. ► a serious point · He’s making a joke but there is a serious point there as well. ► bad/serious/severe pollution · The mines have caused serious pollution of the river system.· The pollution was so bad that most of the fish died. ► big/major/serious problem · The school’s biggest problem is a shortage of cash. ► a serious/major problem · Lifting things carelessly can lead to serious back problems. ► serious quarrel · Soon afterwards, they had their first serious quarrel. ► serious questions · The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct. ► a serious/steady relationship (=one that lasts quite a long time)· It was his first serious relationship. ► serious repercussions  There were serious repercussions on his career. ► serious/grave reservations · They had serious reservations about the plan. ► a serious/major riot · The jail was hit by a serious riot last year. ► a serious/grave risk (=real and big)· The most serious risk of flooding this evening is on the River Wye. ► a serious rival · He knows that he has no serious rival for the job. ► a big/serious/severe setback · This is a serious setback to the company. ► a severe/serious shortage · There is a serious shortage of food in some areas. ► the funny/serious side · Luckily, when I explained the situation, he saw the funny side of it. ► harmful/serious/adverse etc side effect  a natural remedy with no harmful side effects ► a serious talk · Before she went to college, her father sat her down for a serious talk. ► serious thinking · Your mother and I have been doing some serious thinking. ► a serious/major threat · Bad air quality poses a serious threat to public health. ► serious trouble · I was having serious trouble knowing where to begin. ► serious/severe unemployment · After the pit closed, the town experienced severe unemployment. ► serious unrest · We are receiving reports of serious unrest in areas of northern India. ► in a serious/light-hearted etc vein  poems in a lighter vein ► a serious violation · The committee said there had been serious violations of Senate rules. ► serious/severe/bad wound · He was taken to Broomfield Hospital with serious head wounds. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► as · A spiritual void needs to be satisfied, so what is offered as serious and sacrosanct must be as good as it pretends.· Problems of rot were always with us but there were other problems as well which were just as serious.· Not that I think Carrick will win very much but at least they would be recognised as serious contenders.· He was being serious, or as serious as he knows how.· Like the quatrain poems it is funny at the same time as serious.· Supplies of food ran sufficiently low to pose a threat as serious as invasion.· Central heating can be as serious a scourge to fine old books as it is to fine old furniture.· The catalogue of offences regarded as serious enough to merit dismissal for a single occurrence is sometimes lengthy. ► how · Secondly, just how serious is this man?· How hard writing was for each of us was a gauge of how serious we were.· Children are being shown a new video, which shows just how serious the consequences can be.· Everybody knew at once how serious the situation was.· I knew he now realized this was serious, but I was not sure I had got through to him how serious.· The thing that really struck me about her is how serious she was, how those big eyes soaked everything in.· At the outset, you must first decide just how serious you want to be.· The attempt at adding-machine accuracy shows how serious the priests were about numbering the new saints bound for heaven. ► more · The touch judges come in for some even more serious verbals.· They left behind the remaining six injured who were in more serious condition.· No, it's more serious in my view.· Meanwhile, more serious mainstream criticism sees the colorblind vision of the republic at stake.· The middle-class YCs had been far more serious at school than Willis' lads.· Is his back problem more serious?· The second objection is more serious.· In those letters, he outlined his activities and threatened more serious attacks on Barclays customers. ► most · The report gives details of 58 of the most serious accidents.· Expulsion from Congress is reserved for the most serious misconduct and is considered unlikely in this case.· Priority would be given to patients with the most serious conditions.· Typically, companies that were experiencing the most serious crisis were willing to implement change at a faster rate.· There is clearly insufficient evidence for the most serious charges.· Furniture was smashed and fists flew in the most serious trouble at the Maze in recent months.· New closed prisons were built for convicted offenders serving long fixed sentences or life imprisonment for the most serious crimes.· This penalty, which is rarely invoked, is the most serious that can be inflicted on a bank. ► really · Surely in time and eternity only death and hell were really serious.· We thought this was a good beginning for some really serious outreach efforts.· Out of the sky came another really serious menace.· Next month, the battle gets really serious.· Was that because it was really serious.· But if we are really serious about personal responsibility, and believe that everyone should be equal, things must change.· Vologsky had not monitored all his automatic recording, but he had seen enough to know that things were really serious.· If you want something really serious to do, there are lots of causes crying out for energetic, capable people. ► so · The financial constraints on wives are also not so serious, as an increasing proportion of married women are in full-time work.· Woodward had never known him to be so guarded, so serious.· Making out it was all so serious, instead of a few smokes with other kids and a little shop-lifting to pay for it.· I could have cried had our situation not been so serious.· He says didn't realise it was so serious and sent him back to class with an ice pack.· But the magistrates chairman said the offence was so serious, they may have to send both men to jail.· But I must resist the temptation to treat so serious a matter with levity.· He hadn't realised she was so serious. ► too · Condensation: a little during morning and evening but nothing too serious.· The potential is too great to ignore-and the hazards too serious to be underestimated.· But I don't think Marea was too serious about this.· In the end, no subject is too serious for opera to treat, or necessarily too unpleasant, or too poignant.· She was clever, and he thought she was a bit too serious, although she had a sense of humour.· She didn't want him to think it was too serious.· The expression on Vologsky's face was too serious and pensive for what he had in mind.· She dared not allow them to become too serious. ► very · There is no doubt that some very serious and remarkable studies have been devoted to Modigliani.· She was listed in very serious condition Sunday night.· In recent years, especially since 1982, a number of countries have developed very serious international debt problems.· This is a very serious matter.· The man had been accused of raping a local girl and was in very serious trouble.· But something very serious had been sacrificed in this generous and possibly inescapable transaction-intellectual vitality.· She came from a very serious, Puritan family.· I think that is very, very serious. NOUN► accident · They're warning that overloaded vehicles are dangerous and can cause serious accidents.· The reason is that serious accidents are so infrequent, safety experts said.· But it could mean the difference between financial security and financial disaster for you and your family should a serious accident strike.· But, serious accidents can happen along the way when you use the passive voice.· He invented a serious accident for his wife as an excuse not to see Eleanor for a while.· According to a report commissioned by Greenpeace, a serious accident could occur.· Subsequently, a serious accident at the company's water-theme park in Surrey had a detrimental effect on its public profile.· But serious accidents can and do happen every day of the year. ► attempt · Yet most managers in most companies make no serious attempt to do that.· It was too early in the trip for a serious attempt and all of us were decidedly under the weather.· This had been consolidated in power by the end of the fourteenth century, after the one serious attempt to overthrow it.· The 1970s saw the beginning of serious attempts to develop remedial services in local authorities.· It should be emphasized that they were not serious attempts to take her life but cries for help.· Scientists confirmed that the addition of chlorine was unlikely to protect against any serious attempt to interfere with the water supply.· When comprehensive schools became the norm there was still no serious attempt to rethink the curriculum or the values incorporated within it. ► attention · The view that women are on average better on language tasks and men on spatial tasks continues to receive serious attention.· Although I am not in complete agreement with all of Lacanian theory, I believe it deserves serious attention.· Contradictory discourses and practices within and between these agencies of socialization are given little serious attention.· These questions in turn suggest further lines of research that deserve serious attention by historians of both science and art.· Book publishing is another important aspect of the print media to which private organisations and the government should pay serious attention.· International debt relief is at last getting serious attention, but personal debt continues to be a festering problem.· In a sense, one can only be delighted that Leapor and other poets like her are receiving such serious attention. ► blow · Like the contagious diseases defeat, Simon's resignation was received as a serious blow by the medical profession.· This year, that amount could plummet to $ 1 million, a serious blow to the already financially struggling tribe.· The Taff Vale decision was a serious blow to trade unionism.· A person who is quickly back on his or her feet after a serious blow.· The decision also represented a serious blow to the morale of the regulatory authorities.· His departure will, of course, be a serious blow to our hopes of pulling away from the foot of the table.· It is being said with some conviction that Labour inflicted a serious blow on itself with that Sheffield monster rally.· If implemented, this will be a serious blow to takeover specialists. ► business · Food and its enjoyment are very serious business and are not to be hurried.· Save yourself for the serious business of eating. 7 Treat alcohol with care.· For them the climb was a serious business.· Fun would have to take second place to the serious business of home-making and saving money.· Meanwhile we set about the serious business of replacing the broken foremast.· Mostly it means concentrating on having fun, but for some it's all a very serious business.· Still, to her, reading is very serious business. ► case · Once again, it may be doubted whether this is sufficiently high for the most serious cases.· Since then, my head has snapped back fast enough to get a serious case of whiplash.· In serious cases the aim is to shut down the system safely.· In several other less serious cases, Reno asked for an independent counsel.· For the more serious cases, there was air transport direct to base hospital, possibly hundreds of miles to the rear.· Nevertheless, I do believe that Al presents a serious case which must be respected and reckoned with.· In more serious cases your doctor may prescribe you an oral antibiotic which will reduce the number of sore and inflamed spots.· But no serious case has been made. ► challenge · The rising number of landless and marginal farmers poses a serious challenge.· The businessman is no longer subject to a serious challenge of any sort.· The accelerating destruction of the environment is one of the most serious challenges we face today.· But next year's election could be a serious challenge.· The most serious challenge to Keynesian macroeconomic policies, however, has come from Friedman and the monetarists.· To my mind, the most serious challenge is to minimize the cost of establishing the smallest possible profit-making power system.· The paper claims this represents a serious challenge to other Risc vendors jostling for position in the software arena.· We were a shot over in the second round and I began to wonder whether he would be mounting a serious challenge. ► concern · This must be a matter of serious concern for the Church.· Such critics are trivialized and placed firmly at the margins of serious concern.· In the meantime, there is serious concern about the future of secondments for courses longer than one term.· They have returned, in more technical terms, to a serious concern with ontology.· I also learnt of untoward knock on effects and serious concerns about fragmentation and dis-enfranchisement.· Detectives said she was known to be upset over personal problems and ex-pressed serious concern for her safety.· Rural depopulation is a matter of serious concern.· As the memorandum was written, serious concerns arose about whether the child's interests would paramount. ► consequence · Very serious consequences can and do follow from people or organisations being indifferent to the results of their actions.· Beating up women is unacceptable and offenders must pay serious consequences.· Boston employers are facing an acute labour shortage with potentially serious consequences for economic growth.· Douglas also developed some mild paranoia that, in a president, might have had far more serious consequences.· They may catch other infections such as measles or chicken-pox, with serious consequences due to their deficient immune system.· If unfavorable patterns emerged, we could address them quickly before they had serious consequences.· Obviously it has had serious consequences in this case.· Another assault on Neil Francis could have serious consequences for the perpetrator. ► consideration · Please be on the lookout for talent in your classes and give serious consideration to auditioning yourself.· Gas-coal is not yet under serious consideration.· It does not mean that money has to rule, but it is a necessary and serious consideration.· The daily specials posted at Takamatsu demand serious consideration.· The question of introducing nitrate protection zones got serious consideration only through the Nitrate Coordination Group in 1987.· But his critique of capitalism is still worth serious consideration.· The fact is that I had already begun to give serious consideration to the possibility of doing away with Dennis Parsons.· Throw anything you want into our cage and we will give it serious consideration. ► contender · We were looking at a very serious contender indeed.· The best-film voting went to three ballots and no big studio film was a serious contender.· I was now a serious contender for the gold medal.· Teal was not, after all, a serious contender.· The only serious contender left in the presidential race is Guei himself.· As this process continues to develop, more serious contenders for political leadership will come to the fore.· A serious contender for Vibes album of the year.· Not that I think Carrick will win very much but at least they would be recognised as serious contenders. ► crime · For every 100 persons convicted of these serious crimes, 85 are male.· Naturalization Service improperly permitted naturalization of immigrants convicted of serious crimes.· Bigamy, for example, is a serious crime in Britain yet it is normal and accepted practice in other countries.· He said the law should specifically target violent offenders, rather than drug-related offenses and less serious crimes.· In the last decade, the ouija board has been a feature in several serious crimes.· Although the Navy had substantial evidence of several serious crimes, there was never a trial for any of them.· The total of forty-two sins ranged from serious crimes like murder to minor wrongdoings like listening to gossip.· The second man faces charges for being an accomplice to a serious crime. ► damage · Nothing around us spoke of serious damage.· Unlike Washington state, there were no reports of injuries or serious damage.· However, an effective competition policy needs power to control mergers because of the serious damage they may inflict on competition.· The Rockets are concerned the operation could reveal serious damage, although no official diagnosis has been made.· The explosion sparked a fire which caused serious damage to their flat above a shop in Pensby, Wirral.· No serious damage was being done to the fort.· Now they can use it to predict - and thus forestall - more serious damage.· The Nimbus was undamaged but the K8 had one wing severed at about half-span as well as other serious damage. ► danger · Certain deficiencies, of vitamins or iodine, can be harmful, and there are serious dangers from mercurial or lead poisoning.· Downsizing often cut out coordinators, the people most important to these informal networks, leaving them in serious danger of collapse.· Cases sometimes tread uneasily between being trying to be funny and pointing to serious danger.· Malnutrition is one of the most serious dangers.· Erosion and rising sea levels are now posing a serious danger to the lowest-lying islands.· And in this there is serious danger.· We ought to take that serious danger into account.· If heterosexuals in developed countries provide such a niche, they will be in serious danger. ► doubt · A number of methodological criticisms have been made of these studies which cast serious doubt on the validity of their findings.· In cases of serious doubt, there are a variety of techniques for assessing employees' reactions.· The awful thing was that, as I said it, I began to have serious doubts about it.· Even among some Taft supporters, however, there were serious doubts that the controversial senator could win the presidency.· Indeed, there must be serious doubts about the decision to hold them this year.· Such questions cast serious doubts on the likelihood of to having no meaning in these uses.· He had come to entertain serious doubts about it himself.· This raises serious doubts about his qualities as a statesman. ► effect · All these points can be acknowledged without serious effect upon the method.· The more serious effects include acute confusional states, tachycardia, urinary retention, and aggravation of glaucoma.· These cuts will also have a serious effect on the availability of legal help in criminal cases.· The conflict was regularly reported in the mass media and had a serious effect on public confidence in the party.· Nearly 80 percent of Party membership was unemployed, with serious effects on Party finance and organization.· An act of ill-treatment may be significant because it has a serious effect upon the child.· Scientists have been warning for at least 30 years that humankind's pollution of the atmosphere was about to have serious effect.· The fact that there is now total deregulation will have a serious effect on small shops. ► error · But they had all made a serious error, himself included.· To me this is a serious error, the source of all our troubles.· The resource person may correct a serious error and repeat the phrase again but with no trace of disapproval or reproach.· A serious error could easily result in every semi-conductor in the project being destroyed, possibly in spectacular fashion.· This on its own is not a serious error.· He had suddenly made a serious error.· In the past few years it has suffered from serious errors in planning and a lack of investment.· The company had claimed that Mrs Ashgrove was replaced because of serious errors in her work. ► flaw · However, this analogy possesses two serious flaws.· In general, any new cryptosystem could harbor serious flaws that are discovered only after years of scrutiny by cryptographers.· Expert reveals serious flaws in museum and gallery security.· Globalisation, accelerated by the internet, is exposing serious flaws in the world's tax systems.· Remember your ideas may have a serious flaw.· Critics have, however, found serious flaws in the whole approach.· Similarly, a model in which a market is identified and then the technology sought to fill it also has serious flaws.· This account contains a serious flaw. ► harm · A few weeks back here in the World won't do my career serious harm.· The crime will depend on whether the wound was serious harm or not.· Yet if you can see it still protruding, you can retrieve it before serious harm is caused.· Actual bodily harm need not be serious harm and it has been held to include a hysterical and nervous condition.· Actual bodily harm must mean something less than serious harm. ► illness · It can cope with a cold, fight off a serious illness and with time, even mend a broken bone.· The writers blame serious illnesses and various other family misfortunes on their larcenous behavior.· This is why the germs seldom cause serious illnesses.· When you've faced a serious illness, feeling better is the best feeling there is in the world.· But no complaints: up to now, I have never had a serious illness.· In the event of injury or serious illness abroad a 24 hour service is available for immediate help.· A pregnancy undertaken at a time of serious illness or death of a family member will bear added stress. ► injury · Both riders walked away and escaped serious injury.· Two in five elderly people involved in accidents are killed or sustain serious injury.· All were treated at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center, five of them for serious injuries, a spokeswoman said.· One scored a direct hit but, despite being showered with glass, there were no serious injuries.· Jody understood the devastation of serious injury.· The hospital says he'd risk serious injury if he were to fall while using the legs.· Should it be the larger one who is aggressive, the fish should be separated before serious injury occurs. ► issue · But is a birthday the right occasion to raise such serious issues?· The audience is attracted by the promise of the bizarre, then is exposed to serious issues.· Let's concentrate on the important, serious issues and spend less time worrying about such matters as the quality of the beer.· A more serious issue centers on the noise made by the Hunter and other remote-control planes that fly out of Fort Huachuca.· The serious issue was the dispute over the proper amount of remuneration.· Deciding on optimal resource allocations for different research projects is a serious issue.· But now water is a serious issue.· For those graduate students seeking acceptance of a research proposal the problem of feasibility is a more serious issue. ► matter · It is a serious matter, attacking a white person, let alone a white minister.· Inquiry is a serious matter and should be done boldly, whether applied to innovation or ponderous theoretical matter.· Mr. Howard I agree that it is a serious matter.· A politicized game is made out of serious matters to scholars and the field.· This was clearly a serious matter.· The loss of potential output resulting-from involuntary unemployment is clearly a serious matter for an economy.· Q: Do your congressional colleagues consider this a serious matter? ► money · This was money, serious money.· It is all about serious money.· Or should they hang on in the hope that these assets will soon be worth serious money?· Judging by its state-of-the-art studios, the owners have put some serious money into NewsTalk.· Bricks and mortar used to much more than a sound investment - it was the best way to make serious money.· Most have a core of solid businesses that ensure that at least parts of the firm are making serious money.· To serious money and serious business, however, all this was anathema. ► offence · That phrase is read narrowly to convict the accused of handling rather than theft, handling being a more serious offence than theft.· He justifies this view on the ground that rape is a very serious offence to which serious penalties attach.· Adultery is seen as natural for a man, but a serious offence for a woman.· Dismissal following automatically if a third serious offence was committed.· Jailing Murray, Lord Kirkwood described the charge he had been convicted of as a very serious offence.· If, however, their conduct is itself disorderly, they may commit the less serious offence.· This was a serious offence, and she was dismissed.· His most serious offence in that time was taking part in a robbery while armed with a crossbow. ► problem · Alcoholism and heart disease are also serious problems.· The Coast Guard also has said it has found no serious problems caused by adding the two towers.· Repudiation of a claim under this clause can cause serious problems.· And the fact that both doctors were insured by the same company must have posed a serious problem for the company.· These are serious problems, which need to be addressed carefully.· Fire officials said bee stings and poison oak were the most serious problems.· In its place we shall have the serious problem of gearing for London.· High levels of coliform bacteria may indicate more serious problems in a water supply, such as the infiltration of fecal material. ► question · These works raise a serious question as to whether their subjects are suitable cases for treatment - that is, by librettists and composers.· I had serious questions involving it.· Military intervention would raise serious questions about the stability of the regime.· And community goodwill is in serious question.· But there is a serious question mark over whether fundholding at the level of single practices will remain viable.· Such an inquiry could have produced serious questions and a thorough analysis regarding the precepts of Centralism that underlay the entire scheme.· This evidence alone poses a serious question of ethics with regard to the pharmaceutical industry.· But the episode has raised serious questions. ► risk · Most patients coming to hospital after an overdose are not at serious risk.· Both the capability-building priority and the unusual time commitments bore serious risks to their professional advancement and reward.· Under that case the accused must take an obvious and serious risk.· This material is at serious risk of being stolen.· He took a much greater and more serious risk, one which his relatives to this day gloss over or fudge.· With that political cover, the White House figured it could authorize the move without serious risk.· Its leaders knew there was a serious risk of trouble if it took a mass march into Gqozo's lair.· If this fails, then clearly the eggs or young are at a serious risk. ► side · A small amount of Lentizol can kill and a wrong dose of Stelazine can cause serious side effects.· Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction was a lot of fun but it had a serious side too.· Of course, there was a more serious side to all this.· Part of his serious side stems from Williams' friendship with paralyzed actor Christopher Reeve.· But there is a more serious side to it all.· Orthostatic hypotension occasionally is a serious side effect.· Although I may be seeming to make light of my brain's struggles, there is a serious side to it.· But like the drugs that made it possible, the plan had serious side effects. ► thought · They were not good, serious thoughts.· He said he received a couple of calls from job-placement agencies yesterday, but has not given a new job serious thought.· But little serious thought has been given to this problem.· Not a serious thought in my head.· He also gave some serious thought to how he should look.· It was high time she got down to serious thought about her doctorate.· President Yoweri Museveni's government is the first to give serious thought to the Karimojong problem.· You could be spending a lot of time in serious thought, much to the consternation of those around you. ► threat · Decide whether the pest is a serious threat or merely a nuisance.· Surely they realized that I posed no serious threat.· The embryonic plot appeared to have been an amateurish operation which did not pose a serious threat to the government.· The Village Leagues posed a serious threat since they affected many West Bank villages.· No one sees them as a serious threat.· I have always found such liaisons a serious threat to the order in a house.· As the summer of 1862 began, the regime seemed to be under serious threat.· Now we read of the most direct and serious threat of all. ► trouble · If it had been left any longer he could have been in serious trouble.· Today, the pension plan for the owner and ten office workers is in serious trouble.· If the forester finds green wood in your woodpile, you're in serious trouble.· This can lead to serious trouble.· It is a star in serious trouble, with bright bloated lobes of gas swelling off it, announcing its death throes.· He refused to discuss suspects, but made it clear that some one is in serious trouble.· After serious trouble at Sham gigs, for example the one at the London School of Economics, they also deserted their followers.· But whenever Clinton finds himself in serious trouble, he has dialed up Morris, 48. Phrases PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► serious attention/consideration/thought A more serious consideration to my mind is the continued quotation of Ingard shares on the Stock Exchange. Book publishing is another important aspect of the print media to which private organisations and the government should pay serious attention. But little serious thought has been given to this problem. Dangerous goods and perishable goods are two examples of operational specializations worth serious consideration. It does not mean that money has to rule, but it is a necessary and serious consideration. It was high time she got down to serious thought about her doctorate. The concept of interleague play in major league baseball is certainly intriguing, worthy of serious consideration. The fact is that I had already begun to give serious consideration to the possibility of doing away with Dennis Parsons. PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► deadly serious/dull/boring etc And at a time which - surely it was obvious - was deadly serious. He's a deadly dull little man as far as I can see. He was deadly serious and I knew it. His companion chuckled at the jest, but Gravelet, whose stage name was Blondin, was deadly serious. It was now clear, however, that the position was becoming deadly serious. Suppose, for example, you regularly attend a weekly meeting which tends to be deadly dull. The noise level was high in both languages; all faces were deadly serious. The primary indicator is Attempts to be deadly serious invariably result in unintended comedy. ► grim-faced/serious-faced etc► serious-minded/evil-minded etc Word family WORD FAMILYnounseriousnessadjectiveseriousadverbseriously 1situation/problem a serious situation, problem, accident etc is extremely bad or dangerous:  the serious problem of unemployment Luckily, the damage was not serious. Serious crimes have increased dramatically.serious injury/illness/accident etc a serious accident on the freeway Oil spills pose a serious threat to marine life. The president was in serious trouble. → see Thesaurus box on 0000002important important and needing a lot of thought or attention:  This is a very serious matter. the serious business of earning a living Be quiet, Jim. This is serious.3not joking or pretending if someone is serious about something they say or plan to do, they really mean it and are not joking or pretending:  His voice suddenly became more serious. a serious articleserious about Is she serious about giving up her job?deadly/dead serious (=definitely not joking) She sounded dead serious. Marry Frank? You can’t be serious!4careful serious attention/consideration/thought careful and thorough attention etc:  I’ll give your suggestion serious consideration.5quiet/sensible someone who is serious is very quiet and sensible, and does not laugh and joke much:  a serious student6worried/unhappy slightly worried or unhappy:  You look serious. What’s wrong?7romantic relationship a serious romantic relationship is likely to continue for a long time:  It’s serious – they’ve been seeing each other for six months.serious about Are you really serious about her?serious boyfriend/girlfriend8sport/activity [only before noun] very interested in an activity or subject, and spending a lot of time doing it:  He’s become a serious golfer since he retired. Chris is a serious photographer.9very good [only before noun] informal very good and often expensive:  He’s got a serious car!10large amount [only before noun] informal used to emphasize that you are talking about a large amount of something:  In industry, you can earn serious money.COLLOCATIONSnounsa serious problem· Vandalism is a serious problem in the area.a serious injury/illness· The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.a serious accident· He is recovering from a serious accident.serious damage· The explosion sparked a fire which caused serious damage to their flat.a serious threat· In the developed world, over-consumption is now a serious threat to health.a serious crime/offence· Kidnapping is a serious crime.serious trouble· The economy was in serious trouble.serious consequences· Neglecting to make a proper will can have serious consequences.THESAURUSvery badserious very bad – used about problems, accidents, illnesses, or crimes: · Violent crime is a serious problem in and around the capital.· The boy was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.· Fortunately, the damage to the car was not serious.severe very serious – used about problems, injuries, and illnesses: · He suffered severe injuries in a car crash.· The problem became so severe that they had to bring water in from other countries.· severe epilepsygrave used about a situation that is very serious and worrying, especially because it is dangerous or seems likely to get worse: · A thick fog descended and I knew that we were in grave danger.· The situation is grave – war now seems inevitable.acute used about an illness, problem, or situation that has become very serious or dangerous, and needs to be dealt with quickly: · She was taken to the hospital suffering from acute appendicitis.· In San Diego, the shortage of skilled workers is acute.desperate used about a situation or problem that is very serious or dangerous, especially because a lot of people need urgent help: · The situation is desperate – people here need aid before the harsh winter sets in.· The hospital is full of people in desperate need of medical attention.critical used about a situation that is very serious and dangerous and might get worse suddenly: · In 1991, the food supply situation became critical.· Eight people were killed and four are still in a critical condition.life-threatening used about a situation, illness, or condition in which someone could die: · Her child had a potentially life-threatening illness.· The situation was not life-threatening, but it was very worrying.be a matter of life and death spoken to be extremely serious – used when a situation is very urgent or important: · For people living with HIV, getting the right treatment is literally a matter of life and death.not jokingserious not joking or laughing, or not pretending: · His voice sounded serious.· They seem to be serious about their relationship.solemn very serious because of an important or sad occasion or ceremony: · My father looked solemn, the way grown-ups look at funerals.· The judge read the verdict in a solemn voice.grave written quiet and very serious – used especially about the way people look when something important or worrying happens: · She consulted Doctor Staples and returned looking grave.· He listened with a grave expression on his face.sombre British English (also somber American English) /ˈsɒmbə $ ˈsɑːmbər/ written sad, quiet, or serious because something unpleasant or worrying has happened or is going to happen: · They sat in sombre silence.· The meeting began in a sombre mood.earnest very serious and sincere – often used about someone who is young and not very experienced: · He was a rather earnest-looking young man.· ‘That’s wrong,’ she said, her voice sounding very earnest.
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