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Synonyms

serious-minded

American  
[seer-ee-uhs-mahyn-did] / ˈsɪər i əsˈmaɪn dɪd /

adjective

  1. characterized by seriousness of intention, purpose, thought, etc.; earnest.


Other Word Forms

  • serious-mindedly adverb
  • serious-mindedness noun

Etymology

Origin of serious-minded

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sir Keir is an intelligent, incredibly diligent, serious-minded politician who has achieved extraordinary things.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

The panel has historically operated in a bipartisan manner, and is largely composed of serious-minded lawmakers rather than strident partisans.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Growing up, Cindy loved reading and was serious-minded when she needed to be, said David Kim, whose family went to the same Korean church as her family in College Station.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2023

Far from serious-minded debate, some of our best-rated shows were our silliest.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2023

His music became serious-minded and earnest, but it is debatable whether he changed the world.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall