earnestness

[ur-nist-nis]

earnestness Definition

• 1. sincere and serious effort or intention
• 2. deep sincerity or seriousness, especially in expressing emotion

Using earnestness: Examples

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

• Example

  She spoke with great earnestness about the need for change.

• Example

  His earnestness in pursuing his goals was admirable.

• Example

  The actor's earnestness in his performance moved the audience.

• Example

  I appreciate your earnestness in wanting to help.

earnestness Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for earnestness

• seriousness
• sincerity
• commitment
• devotion
• determination

Antonyms for earnestness

• frivolity
• insincerity
• indifference

Phrases with earnestness

• in earnest

  with sincere and serious intent

  Example

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

• with all due earnestness

  with the utmost sincerity and seriousness

  Example

  I speak to you with all due earnestness when I say that this issue must be addressed.

• earnest money

  a deposit made by a buyer to demonstrate their good faith in a transaction

  Example

  The seller required a $10,000 earnest money deposit before accepting the offer.

Origins of earnestness

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

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Summary: earnestness in Brief

'Earnestness' [ur-nist-nis] refers to sincere and serious effort or intention, as well as deep sincerity or seriousness in expressing emotion. It is often used to describe someone's determination, commitment, or devotion, as in 'His earnestness in pursuing his goals was admirable.' The phrase 'in earnest' denotes sincere and serious intent, while 'earnest money' is a deposit made to demonstrate good faith in a transaction.