What Does “Seriously” Mean

“Seriously” means in a serious, sincere, or earnest way. It can also be used to show that something is true, important, or not a joke.

People use “seriously” in everyday English in a few different ways. They may say it to show strong feeling, to mean “really,” or to ask someone to pay attention. For example, “I’m seriously tired” means very tired, and “Seriously?” can show surprise or disbelief.

Meaning & Usage

“Seriously” is often used to stress a point or show that something matters. It can describe a person’s tone, attitude, or condition, and it is common in both spoken and written English.

Examples

I’m seriously thinking about moving.
Seriously, you need to listen to this.
Are you seriously going to wear that?

Context / Common Use

In daily conversation, “seriously” can sound calm, emotional, or even a little annoyed, depending on how it is said. It is a very common word in casual English.

What does “seriously” mean in a sentence?

It usually means “in a serious way” or “really,” depending on the context.

Can “seriously” show surprise?

Yes. People often say “Seriously?” when they are surprised or do not believe something.

Is “seriously” formal or casual?

It is mostly casual, but it can also be used in more formal English when you want to stress something important.