Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To a severe or serious degree: Used to indicate that something is very bad, severe, or intense.
   • In a serious manner: Used to describe an action done with earnestness, sincerity, or deep thought, without humor or frivolity.

Usage Examples

• To a severe degree:
  • He was seriously injured in the accident.
  • The patient is seriously ill.
• In a serious manner:
  • She looked at him seriously before answering.
  • We need to talk seriously about your future.

Advanced Usage

• "Take seriously": To consider something important and worthy of attention.
  • You should take his advice seriously.
• "Seriously though": Used to introduce a sincere comment after a joke or to return to a serious topic.
  • That was funny, but seriously though, we have a problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Serious (adjective): Important, severe, or sincere.
  • This is a serious matter.
• Seriousness (noun): The quality or state of being serious.
  • I appreciate the seriousness with which you approached the task.

Synonyms

• Severely: In a very bad or intense way.
• Gravely: In a solemn or serious manner, often regarding illness.
• Earnestly: With sincere and intense conviction.
• Badly: To a great or severe degree.

Related Phrases

• Deadly serious: Extremely serious, with no hint of joking.
  • I am deadly serious about this warning.
• Nothing seriously: Used to indicate a problem is not severe.
  • The doctor said it was nothing seriously to worry about.

Related Idioms

• "Don't take it so seriously": A suggestion not to be overly concerned or earnest about something.
  • It's just a game; don't take it so seriously.

Adverb

1. to a severe or serious degree
   • fingers so badly frozen they had to be amputated
   • badly injured
   • a severely impaired heart
   • is gravely ill
   • was seriously ill
2. in a serious manner
   • talking earnestly with his son
   • she started studying snakes in earnest
   • a play dealing seriously with the question of divorce