earnest

[ur-nist]

earnest Definition

  • 1resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction
  • 2serious in intention, purpose, or effort
  • 3not playful or trifling

Using earnest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "earnest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She made an earnest attempt to learn the language.

  • Example

    He spoke in earnest about the importance of the issue.

  • Example

    The company's earnest efforts to reduce waste paid off in the long run.

earnest Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for earnest

Phrases with earnest

  • with sincere and serious intent

    Example

    After months of preparation, the project finally began in earnest.

  • to be sincere and serious about something

    Example

    I thought he was joking at first, but he was actually in earnest about his plans to start a business.

  • a deposit made to show that a buyer is serious about purchasing a property

    Example

    We had to put down some earnest money to secure the house we wanted to buy.

Origins of earnest

from Old English 'eornost', meaning 'seriousness' or 'earnestness'

๐Ÿ“Œ

Summary: earnest in Brief

The term 'earnest' [ur-nist] describes a sincere and serious attitude or effort, often with a sense of conviction. It can refer to a person's intentions or actions, as in 'She made an earnest attempt to learn the language,' or to a situation, as in 'The company's earnest efforts to reduce waste paid off in the long run.' 'Earnest' also appears in phrases like 'in earnest,' indicating sincere intent, and 'earnest money,' referring to a deposit made to show serious interest.