seriously
8 synonyms for seriously, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a solemn, earnest, or literal way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use seriously
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
take seriously
seriously injured
seriously though
Used as a stand-alone exclamation ("Seriously?!"), it's informal and common in speech.
Frequently asked questions
What does “seriously” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “seriously”?
“Seriously” is pronounced SEER-ree-uhs-lee (/ˈsɪɹ.i.əs.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “seriously” in a sentence?
Here is “seriously” used in a sentence: “He took the warning seriously and left immediately.”
What part of speech is “seriously”?
“Seriously” is an adverb.
Is “seriously” a common word?
“Seriously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “seriously” have?
“Seriously” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a solemn, earnest, or literal way.
What does it mean to take something seriously?
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.
Can 'seriously' be used to show surprise or disbelief?
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.
Is 'seriously' formal or informal?
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.
