DictionaryAI

seriously

adverb
SaySEER-ee-uhs-lee/ˈsɪɹi.əsli/UK/ˈsɪəɹi.əsli/

5 meanings of seriously

Practice

  1. 1
    meaning itadverb
    In a way that is serious and not joking.

    She looked at me seriously and asked if I was okay.

    He spoke so seriously that everyone in the room stopped laughing.

    UsageOften in take something seriously.

    Similarearnestly, solemnly, soberly, sincerely

    Oppositelightly, jokingly, flippantly, casually

    Note
  2. 2
    badlyadverb
    Very much, or in a bad way that is worrying.

    He was seriously hurt in the crash.

    I am seriously worried about the exam tomorrow.

    UsageOften seriously hurt or seriously ill.

    Similarseverely, badly, gravely, critically, dangerously

    Oppositeslightly, mildly, lightly, superficially

  3. 3
    extremelyadverbcolloquial
    Used to mean very much, in a big or extreme way.

    That movie was seriously good.

    I am seriously hungry right now.

    UsagePut it before a word to make it stronger: seriously good.

    Similarreally, incredibly, extremely, super, truly

    Oppositeslightly, mildly, barely, somewhat

  4. 4
    joking asideadverb
    Used to start saying something important after joking around.

    That was funny, but seriously, who is driving us home?

    Seriously though, are you feeling alright?

    UsageSay it first: seriously, though, or but seriously.

    Similarhonestly

    Note
  5. 5
    adverb
    Used to show disbelief about something just said, or to stress a point already mentioned.

    Seriously? You forgot my birthday again?

    He won the lottery twice? Seriously, that is incredible.

    UsageOften said alone: Seriously?

    Similarreally

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of seriously apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English seriously, meaning "earnestly." It comes from serious plus -ly.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts