What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ernest
Example
She approached the project with an ernest determination to succeed. [ernest: adjective]
Example
He is an ernest individual who always speaks his mind. [ernest: noun]
Example
Ernest Hemingway was a famous American writer. [Ernest: proper noun]
earnest
Example
She gave him an earnest apology for her mistake. [earnest: adjective]
Example
He made an earnest attempt to finish the project on time. [earnest: adjective]
Example
They put down an earnest deposit to show their commitment to buying the house. [earnest: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Earnest is more common than ernest in everyday language and is used in various contexts, including literature, business, and personal communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ernest and earnest?
Ernest has a more formal and old-fashioned connotation, while earnest can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.
