seriously

In a way that shows you believe something matters or is true, and give it proper attention.

• Please take me seriously.
• She considered the offer seriously before deciding.
• Nobody took his complaints seriously until the roof collapsed.

How to use it: take someone/something seriously (You should take this warning seriously.)

Similar words: earnestly

Opposites: lightly

Common phrases: take someone seriously, take something seriously, consider something seriously, treat something seriously

Used to show that you mean what you say and are not joking.

• Seriously, I need your help.
• I love this cake, but seriously, we should save some for Dad.
• Seriously though, thank you for staying with me.

Similar words: honestly, in earnest

Common phrases: seriously though, seriously speaking, but seriously

To a great or worrying degree; very much.

• He was seriously ill.
• Two passengers were seriously injured in the crash.
• That restaurant is seriously expensive.

Similar words: very, severely, extremely

Opposites: slightly

Common phrases: seriously ill, seriously injured, seriously damaged, seriously expensive

Used to show that you now want to discuss something important after joking.

• Seriously, what should we do?
• But seriously, I need your help.
• Seriously though, have you considered moving?

Similar words: in all seriousness

Common phrases: but seriously, seriously though

Used to ask whether something surprising is really true.

• You won? Seriously?
• Seriously, you paid that much for a hat?
• You're moving tomorrow? Seriously?

Similar words: really, for real

Common phrases: seriously you won, seriously is that, seriously are you