What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
earnest
Example
She made an earnest attempt to apologize for her mistake. [earnest: adjective]
Example
The team worked with earnest to complete the project on time. [earnest: noun]
serious
Example
He had a serious expression on his face when he heard the news. [serious: adjective]
Example
The doctor discussed the serious nature of the patient's condition. [serious: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Serious is more commonly used than earnest in everyday language. Serious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while earnest is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between earnest and serious?
Earnest is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, while serious can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
