se"ri*ous*ness
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Serious \Se"ri*ous\, a. [L. serius: cf. F. s['e]rieux, LL. seriosus.]
1.Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile. [1913 Webster]
He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
2.Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving. --Beaconsfield. [1913 Webster]
3.Important; weighty; not trifling; grave. [1913 Webster]
The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world.— Young.[1913 Webster]
4.Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Grave; solemn; earnest; sedate; important; weighty. See Grave. [1913 Webster] -- Se"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Se"ri*ous*ness, n. [1913 Webster]