Important vs. Serious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Important" refers to something of great significance or value. "Serious" denotes gravity, intensity, or a lack of humor or triviality.
Difference Between Important and Serious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Important" is a term used to describe something that holds significance, relevance, or value in a particular context. On the other hand, "Serious" is a word that describes a state of gravity, solemnity, or intensity. While both terms can be used to highlight the weight of a subject, their implications are different.
Consider an event that requires attention; if it is deemed "important," it suggests that the event holds particular value or relevance, perhaps warranting prioritization. In contrast, if the event is described as "serious," it emphasizes the gravity or intensity of the situation, perhaps suggesting potential consequences or a need for caution.
Another distinction arises in casual conversation. If someone says a matter is "important" to them, it conveys a sense of personal value or significance. Conversely, labeling a matter as "serious" often signals a deeper, more pressing concern, possibly urging immediate attention or care.
Furthermore, "important" can be associated with a sense of duty, responsibility, or prioritization. For instance, an "important task" is one that needs to be addressed due to its value or consequence. "Serious", however, often hints at potential risks, as in a "serious injury", where the situation is grave and might have severe outcomes.
Lastly, while "important" usually touches upon value or significance, "serious" can also denote a lack of humor or levity. In this sense, a "serious conversation" might be one without jokes or light-heartedness, whereas an "important conversation" emphasizes its critical nature or value.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Holding significance or value.
Denoting gravity, intensity, or lack of triviality.
Contextual Use
Often about relevance or prioritization.
Typically about gravity, risk, or solemnity.
Emotional Implication
Suggests value or worth.
Suggests urgency or caution.
In Personal Interaction
Conveys personal value or relevance.
Conveys deep concern or lack of humor.
Example
Important decision.
Serious condition.
Compare with Definitions
Important
Of great significance or value.
It's important to eat a balanced diet.
Serious
Of grave or somber disposition or character.
The film tackled serious issues.
Important
Likely to have a profound effect on success or outcome.
He plays an important role in the team.
Serious
Characterized by deep thought or concern.
She has a serious demeanor.
Important
Holding a position of authority or influence.
She's an important figure in the community.
Serious
Demanding careful consideration or application.
This is a serious task; it can't be rushed.
Important
Having serious meaning or worth.
Your feedback is important to us.
Serious
Giving cause for concern; grave.
His condition is serious.
Important
Strongly affecting the course of events or the nature of things; significant
An important message that must get through.
Close friends who are important to me.
Serious
Thoughtful, somber, or grave in manner
He became serious when he was asked about the economy.
Important
Having high social rank or influence; prominent
Government leaders and other important people.
Serious
Not joking or trifling
I was serious when I said I liked your haircut.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position or authority; authoritative
Recited the decree with an important air.
Serious
Deeply interested or involved
A serious golfer.
Important
(Obsolete) Importunate.
Serious
Meriting great concern
A serious illness.
A serious mistake.
Important
Having relevant and crucial value.
It is very important to give your daughter independence in her life so she learns from experience.
Serious
Performed with careful thought
A serious effort to reform tax policy.
Important
(obsolete) Pompous; self-important.
Serious
Pertaining to important rather than trivial matters
A serious discussion.
Important
Full of, or burdened by, import; charged with great interests; restless; anxious.
Thou hast strength as muchAs serves to execute a mind very important.
Serious
Sincerely meant
Mistook a sarcastic comment for a serious question.
Important
Carrying or possessing weight or consequence; of valuable content or bearing; significant; weighty.
Things small as nothing . . . He makes important.
Serious
Intended for sophisticated people
Serious music.
Important
Bearing on; forcible; driving.
He fiercely at him flew,And with important outrage him assailed.
Serious
(Informal) Of considerable size or scope; substantial
A serious amount of money.
Important
Importunate; pressing; urgent.
Serious
Without humor or expression of happiness; grave in manner or disposition
It was a surprise to see the captain, who had always seemed so serious, laugh so heartily.
Important
Of great significance or value;
Important people
The important questions of the day
Serious
Important; weighty; not insignificant
This is a serious problem. We'll need our best experts.
Important
Important in effect or meaning;
A significant change in tax laws
A significant change in the Constitution
A significant contribution
Significant details
Statistically significant
Serious
Really intending what is said (or planned, etc); in earnest; not jocular or deceiving
After all these years, we're finally getting serious attention.
He says he wants to buy the team, but is he serious?
Important
Of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis;
A crucial moment in his career
A crucial election
A crucial issue for women
Serious
(of a relationship) Committed.
Important
Having authority or ascendancy or influence;
An important official
The captain's authoritative manner
Serious
In a serious manner; seriously.
Important
Having or suggesting a consciousness of high position;
Recited the decree with an important air
Took long important strides in the direction of his office
Serious
Grave in manner or disposition; earnest; thoughtful; solemn; not light, gay, or volatile.
He is always serious, yet there is about his manner a graceful ease.
Important
Requiring attention or consideration.
There are important matters to discuss.
Serious
Really intending what is said; being in earnest; not jesting or deceiving.
Serious
Important; weighty; not trifling; grave.
The holy Scriptures bring to our ears the most serious things in the world.
Serious
Hence, giving rise to apprehension; attended with danger; as, a serious injury.
Serious
Concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities;
A serious student of history
A serious attempt to learn to ski
Gave me a serious look
A serious young man
Are you serious or joking?
Don't be so serious!
Serious
Of great consequence;
Marriage is a serious matter
Serious
Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm;
A dangerous operation
A grave situation
A grave illness
Grievous bodily harm
A serious wound
A serious turn of events
A severe case of pneumonia
A life-threatening disease
Serious
Appealing to the mind;
Good music
A serious book
Serious
Completely lacking in playfulness
Serious
Requiring effort or concentration; complex and not easy to answer or solve;
Raised serious objections to the proposal
The plan has a serious flaw
Serious
Not joking or intended to be humorous.
I'm serious; we need to leave now.
Common Curiosities
Is every "serious" matter also "important"?
Not necessarily. A "serious" matter is grave, but might not always be deemed significant or valuable.
Can a person be described as "important"?
Yes, if they hold a position of authority, influence, or significance.
What does "important" primarily convey?
"Important" primarily conveys significance or value.
Can "serious" be used to describe intent?
Yes, "I'm serious" can convey genuine intent or lack of jest.
Is an "important decision" the same as a "serious decision"?
Not exactly. "Important" emphasizes its value, while "serious" highlights its gravity or consequences.
Can "serious" be used in the context of humor?
Yes, "serious" can denote a lack of humor or levity.
Can a comedy film be "serious"?
Yes, if it deals with grave themes or evokes deep thought, despite being humorous.
Can music be described as "serious"?
Yes, "serious" music often refers to classical or art music, distinct from light or popular music.
What does it mean if a situation is "serious"?
It suggests the situation is grave, with potential risks or severe consequences.
If someone looks "serious", what does it imply?
It implies they appear grave, concerned, or are deep in thought.
Are "important" events always urgent?
No, "important" suggests value or significance but not always urgency.
Can "serious" refer to a person's demeanor?
Yes, a "serious" demeanor implies gravity, solemnity, or a lack of jest.
How is "important" different in personal relationships?
In personal contexts, "important" can convey personal value, respect, or significance.
Why would one describe a task as "important"?
It suggests that the task has value, relevance, or significant consequences.
Is every "important" subject also "serious"?
Not always. Some subjects might be valued or prioritized without being grave or intense.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
