semiserious

[ sem-ee-seer-ee-uhs, sem-ahy- ]

/ ˌsɛm iˈsɪər i əs, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

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adjective

having some seriousness; partly serious.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of semiserious

semi- + serious

OTHER WORDS FROM semiserious

sem·i·se·ri·ous·ly, adverbsem·i·se·ri·ous·ness, noun

How to use semiserious in a sentence

John Boehner actually made a semi-serious offer in the fiscal talks.
A Semi-Serious Offer from Boehner|Michael Tomasky|December 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Now began one of these semi-comic, semi-serious adventures which seem to dog my footsteps.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume 2|Ian Hamilton
The corn-cutter spoke with a semi-serious, semi-jesting air that made Gazonal shudder.
Unconscious Comedians|Honore de Balzac
He wanted to laugh, and he found occasion for doing so under the most serious, or at least semi-serious, circumstances.
Twelve Men|Theodore Dreiser

Her quick ear heard, and she turned, semi-serious, questioning him with raised eyebrows.
The Younger Set|Robert W. Chambers
And then followed a most irritating semi-serious remonstrance, in questionable taste.
We Two|Edna Lyall