seriously

The word “seriously” means in a solemn, earnest, or literal way. In plain terms, in a genuine, grave way — or, as an exclamation, used to express real surprise or emphasis.

“Seriously” is pronounced SEER-ree-uhs-lee (/ˈsɪɹ.i.əs.li/ in IPA).

Here is “seriously” used in a sentence: “He took the warning seriously and left immediately.”

“Seriously” is an adverb.

“Seriously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Seriously” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a solemn, earnest, or literal way.

To take something seriously means to treat it as important and worthy of genuine attention, rather than dismissing it as trivial or joking about it. If you take a warning seriously, you act on it carefully. It signals earnest concern and a considered, thoughtful response instead of a casual one.

Yes. In casual speech, 'Seriously?' on its own expresses surprise, doubt, or mild disbelief, as in 'You won again? Seriously?' It can also add emphasis, as in 'That was seriously good.' These informal uses differ from the solemn, earnest sense but are extremely common in everyday conversation.

It works in both registers. In its core sense — solemnly or earnestly — it suits formal writing, as in 'the report was taken seriously.' As an intensifier or an exclamation of surprise ('seriously good', 'Seriously?!'), it is distinctly informal. The tone depends entirely on how and where you use it.