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seriously

adv.
US //ˈsɪɹiəsɫi// UK //sˈiəɹɪəsli// se·ri·ous·ly
  1. 1 not joking (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a way that is not joking or playful.

    in a literal, earnest, or solemn manner; without levity.

    Example

    I am seriously considering moving to another country for work.

    Example

    The board is seriously evaluating the proposal, as the potential for long-term growth outweighs the immediate financial risks.

    Usage

    usually follows the verb or sits at the end of the clause.
  2. 2 very much or badly (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to a great or dangerous degree.

    to a severe or critical extent; used to intensify negative states or injuries.

    Example

    Several people were seriously injured in the car accident last night.

    Example

    The local ecosystem was seriously affected by the chemical spill, requiring years of intensive restoration efforts.

    Usage

    often modifies adjectives like 'injured', 'ill', or 'damaged'.
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  1. 3 changing to a serious topic (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    you use this to stop joking and start talking about something important.

    used as a sentence adverb to signal a transition from a humorous or lighthearted tone to a sincere one.

    Example

    Seriously, we need to decide who is driving to the wedding.

    Example

    Seriously though, if we don't address the budget deficit now, we won't have any funding for next year's projects.

    Usage

    usually placed at the very beginning of a sentence.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a 'discourse marker' that helps manage the flow of a conversation.
  2. 4 showing disbelief (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    you say this when you are surprised or cannot believe what someone said.

    used as an exclamation or a question to express incredulity, annoyance, or emphasis.

    Example

    Seriously? You spent two hundred dollars on a pair of shoes?

    Example

    Seriously? After all the help I gave him, he didn't even bother to send a thank-you note.

    Usage

    often stands alone as a one-word question.

    Teacher's tip

    In speech, the meaning changes based on intonation; a rising tone shows surprise, while a falling tone shows annoyance.
  3. 5 extremely (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    very or extremely; used to make an adjective stronger.

    used as a high-intensity degree adverb to modify adjectives.

    Example

    That new video game is seriously cool.

    Example

    The view from the top of the mountain was seriously impressive, making the four-hour climb feel entirely worth the effort.

    Usage

    placed immediately before the adjective it modifies.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in youth slang and casual digital communication.
Origin

From Middle English seriously, sereously, ceryously, seryowslech (“earnestly”), equivalent to serious + -ly.

Idioms1 entry

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