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Joe2012 Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary
Regarding a use of words "serious" and "sincere".
Sentence: You call him a terrorist! Are you jesting or serious/sincere?
My question: Sincere and serious are two different words with a complete different meanings. Then why do the word "serious" is being used "often" at a place where the word sincere appears to be more appropriate? I see very few people saying "are you sincere?", instead they "are you serious?" - you can Google this also. So my question is when should we use the words serious and sincere? Can we used them interchangebly? Is the word serious being used because of idiomatic reasons? Can I use the word sincere in my sentence?
Thanks and regards
My question: Sincere and serious are two different words with a complete different meanings. Then why do the word "serious" is being used "often" at a place where the word sincere appears to be more appropriate? I see very few people saying "are you sincere?", instead they "are you serious?" - you can Google this also. So my question is when should we use the words serious and sincere? Can we used them interchangebly? Is the word serious being used because of idiomatic reasons? Can I use the word sincere in my sentence?
Thanks and regards
Top answer
Greetings, Razer, I wouldn't say the meanings are completely different. In fact, one of the meanings of 'serious' is ' sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke ' (taken from Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary ). Given that 'sincere' is understood as ' free from pretence or deceit ', 'serious' is the milder alternative in your case, somewhat euphemistic, I would even say.
- Greetings, Razer, I wouldn't say the meanings are completely different.
- In fact, one of the meanings of 'serious' is ' sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke ' (taken from Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary ).
- Given that 'sincere' is understood as ' free from pretence or deceit ', 'serious' is the milder alternative in your case, somewhat euphemistic, I would even say.
- Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoff
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3 Answers
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Greetings, Razer,
I wouldn't say the meanings are completely different. In fact, one of the meanings of 'serious' is 'sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke' (taken from Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary). Given that 'sincere' is understood as 'free from pretence or deceit', 'serious' is the milder alternative in your case, somewhat euphemi
I wouldn't say the meanings are completely different. In fact, one of the meanings of 'serious' is 'sincere about sth; not joking or meant as a joke' (taken from Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary). Given that 'sincere' is understood as 'free from pretence or deceit', 'serious' is the milder alternative in your case, somewhat euphemi
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. And sorry for a belated reply 0
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