sérieuse

Sérieuse is the feminine singular form of the French adjective sérieux, used to describe someone or something that is serious, grave, or earnest. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, for example: une femme sérieuse, des personnes sérieuses.

Etymology and forms: The word derives from the Latin serius, through Old French sérieux. In modern French, the related masculine form is sérieux, the feminine plural is sérieuses, and the adverbial form is sérieusement. The adjective can describe people (Elle est sérieuse), situations (C’est une affaire sérieuse), or tones (une discussion au ton sérieux).

Usage and nuances: Sérieuse conveys a sense of gravity, responsibility, or reliability. It can imply that someone is diligent, studious, or not given to jokes. In contexts describing events or issues, it expresses importance or severity. The term is common in formal and informal speech alike, and is often paired with nouns like affaire, discussion, attitude, or travail.

Examples: Elle est sérieuse dans ses études. Il faut prendre cette question au sérieux; il s’agit d’une affaire sérieuse. Le docteur a adressé un ton sérieux lors de l’examen.

Related terms and antonyms: Antonyms include léger, trivial, insouciant. Related expressions include prendre quelque chose au sérieux, être pris au sérieux. The adverb form is sérieusement.

See also: The noun form is le sérieux, used to refer to the quality of being serious or the seriousness of a matter.