seriousness

[ seer-ee-uhs-nis ]

noun

earnest or sincere character or attitude:The proposal was talked about, but I can't say with how much seriousness it was discussed.
solemn or somber character or attitude:Is that why your face is so grim—you're fighting to maintain seriousness and not laugh at the speaker’s name?

the quality of showing or requiring deep thought or concentration:The two chefs approach their gourmet cuisine with the pensive seriousness others might bring to a difficult math problem.
the quality of being important or weighty, or of giving cause for concern:We need educational tools that convey the seriousness of copyright infringement, as well as its consequences and penalties.

Origin of seriousness

If nothing else, the sheer size of the “religious liberty” movement indicates its seriousness of purpose.
RFRA Madness: What’s Next for Anti-Democratic ‘Religious Exemptions’ | Jay Michaelson | November 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But “he was so shocked by the disorganization and lack of seriousness that he submitted his papers to retire.”
The CIA’s Wrong: Arming Rebels Works | Christopher Dickey | October 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It takes the seriousness out of dating and makes casual sex easier to find.
Swipe Right For Sex: Mixxxer Is Tinder for the Porn Star Set | Aurora Snow | October 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Anyone who had any doubts about his seriousness soon lost them because it was clear that Peter was hardcore.
ISIS Thugs Behead Peter Kassig | Nick Schwellenbach | October 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
How from now on we were going to be seeing in Prince Harry nothing but a model of discretion, seriousness and best behaviour?
Prince Harry Parties TOPLESS | Tom Sykes | July 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

This demand was made with scornful seriousness; with a ruthless application to the feelings of a son.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
No man opens his ware with greater seriousness, or challenges your judgment more in the operation.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.
Vincent Alsop died; a presbyterian clergyman, who attacked Dr. Sherlock with great wit and some seriousness.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel Munsell
Puffin was always well received at The Warren; he amused the squire by the seriousness of his arguments about trifling things.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3) | Charles James Wills
His manner is somewhat nervous, a look of intense seriousness in his heavy-browed eyes.
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist | Alexander Berkman

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