seriously
gb/sˈɪɹiəsli/ us/sˈɪɹiəsli/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
In a sincere or genuine manner
Used to say you are not joking and mean what you say.
Usage pattern:
[someone] seriously [verb/statement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'serious' instead of 'seriously' when describing how someone speaks or acts, e.g., 'She talks serious' instead of 'She talks seriously'.
Synonyms
sincerely (Often more formal and polite; used in writing or speech to express genuine feelings.)
Antonyms
jokingly (Suggests the opposite tone, indicating humor rather than sincerity.)
Collocations
seriously mean
|seriously doubt
|seriously consider
|seriously question
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I seriously think you should see a doctor.
- Do you seriously believe that story?
- She spoke seriously about her plans for the future.
- He seriously doubts the accuracy of the report.
Learner examples
- I seriously want to help you.
- Do you seriously like this movie?
- She is seriously telling the truth.
- They seriously think we can win.
adverb
informal
B1
relation
2
Used to express surprise or disbelief
Used to show you are surprised or think something is strange or wrong.
Usage pattern:
[someone] seriously [question/remark]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'seriously' meaning 'in a sincere way', but here it is mainly an emotional reaction.
Synonyms
really ('Really' is more common and neutral; 'seriously' adds a tone of disbelief or irritation.)
Antonyms
obviously ('Obviously' shows certainty rather than surprise or disbelief.)
Collocations
seriously?
|you seriously think
|are you seriously
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- "Seriously? You forgot your keys again?"
- "Are you seriously going to wear that in the snow?"
- "You seriously think this plan will work?"
Learner examples
- "Seriously? You ate it all?"
- "Are you seriously late again?"
- "You seriously believe that?"
adverb
B1
property
3
To a severe or extreme degree
Very much; in a way that is bad or important.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is seriously [adjective/past participle]
Synonyms
severely ('Severely' is more formal and often used in official contexts.)
Antonyms
slightly ('Slightly' indicates a small degree of something rather than extreme.)
Collocations
seriously injured
|seriously ill
|seriously damaged
|seriously affected
Themes
health
|problems
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He was seriously hurt in the accident.
- The company has been seriously affected by the crisis.
- Her reputation was seriously damaged after the scandal.
Learner examples
- She is seriously sick.
- The car was seriously damaged.
- He is seriously hurt.
Grammar
Dictionary form
seriously
IPA
GB/sˈɪɹiəsli/
US/sˈɪɹiəsli/
Syllables & stress
ser - i - ously (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ser)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: seriously
- Plural: seriouslies
Word family
Forms
seriouslies
noun
Core family
serious
adjective B1
seriousness
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unserious
adjective
Expressions
(do something) seriously
1/dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ sˈɪɹiəsli/
fixed phrase
'Do' something with sincerity or importance
To do something in a way that shows you are not joking and it is important to you.
Examples
- "You need to take this job seriously if you want to succeed."
- "She studies seriously for her exams."
(take something) seriously
1/tˈeɪk sˈʌmθɪŋ sˈɪɹiəsli/
fixed phrase
(take something) seriously
regard something as important and worthy of attention