serious

/ˈsɪriəs/

Syllables se·ri·ous

Stress SE-ri-ous

Phonics Breakdown

se

/sɪ/

short i

ri

/rɪ/

short i

ous

/əs/

schwa

Meaning

very important or needing careful thought; not joking

Sound Reference

💡

se=/sɪ/(since) + ri=/rɪ/(river) + ous=/əs/(famous)

Example

This is a serious problem that needs attention.