What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Serious vs Grievous - What's the difference?

serious | grievous | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between serious and grievous

is that serious is without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn while grievous is causing grief, pain or sorrow.

serious

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn.
  • It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious , laugh so heartily.
  • Important; weighty; not trifling; leaving no room for play; needing great attention; critical.
  • This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
  • Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving; meaningful.
  • After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * trifling, unimportant * (intending what is said) jesting

    Derived terms

    * srs (abbreviation) * dead serious * seriously * seriousness * serious-minded * serious-mindedly * serious-mindedness

    Statistics

    *

    grievous

    English

    Alternative forms

    * greuous (obsolete) * grievious (less common outside dialects)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Causing grief, pain or sorrow.
  • * 1883 ,
  • As for the captain, his wounds were grievous indeed but not dangerous.
  • Serious, grave, dire or dangerous.
  • Synonyms

    * See also