seriously · adverb /ˈsɪr.iː.ə.sli/
Word family
Nouns: seriousness
Adjectives: serious
Adverbs: seriously
seriously (BADLY)
B1 badly or severely
Dictionary examples:
seriously ill/worried
He wasn't seriously injured - he just got a few cuts and bruises.
Learner example:
She is seriously ill with cancer. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)
seriously (NOT JOKING)
B2 in a way that shows that you are not joking
Dictionary examples:
Seriously now, did he really say that or are you just being silly?
You're not seriously thinking of leaving, are you?
Learner example:
Seriously, Tom, I have noticed that you get angry very easily since your examinations started. (First Certificate in English; B2; Farsi)
take sb/sth seriously
B2 to consider a person, subject or situation to be important or dangerous and worth your attention or respect
Dictionary examples:
The police have to take any terrorist threat seriously.
You don't take anything seriously, do you? It's all one big joke to you.
She wants to be taken seriously as an actress.
These young actors take themselves so seriously!
Learner example:
I hope you take my suggestions seriously. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)
