Although the words earnest and serious have much in common, earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose. // an earnest reformer

While in some cases nearly identical to serious, grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude. // read the proclamation in...

While the synonyms sedate and serious are close in meaning, sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness. // remained sedate amid the commotion

The words sober and serious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or fri...

The synonyms solemn and serious are sometimes interchangeable, but solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity. // a sad and sol...

In some situations, the words staid and serious are roughly equivalent. However, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-rest...