1earnest1 (ˈɜːnɪst
)
Definitions
adjective
- serious in mind or intention ⇒
an earnest student
- showing or characterized by sincerity of intention ⇒
an earnest promise
- demanding or receiving serious attention
noun
- seriousness
- See in earnest
Alternative Forms
ˈearnestly adverb ˈearnestness nounWord Origin
Old English eornost; related to Old High German ernust seriousness, Old Norse ern energetic, efficient, Gothic arniba secureSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
serious,
keen,
grave,
intense,
steady,
dedicated,
eager,
enthusiastic,
passionate,
sincere,
thoughtful,
solemn,
ardent,
fervent,
impassioned,
zealous,
staid,
keen as mustard
=
determined,
firm,
dogged,
constant,
urgent,
intent,
persistent,
ardent,
persevering,
resolute,
heartfelt,
zealous,
vehement,
wholehearted,
2earnest2 (ˈɜːnɪst)
Definitions
noun
- a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder
- Also called
earnest money contract law something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract - any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance
Word Origin
C13: from Old French erres pledges, plural of erre earnest money, from Latin arrha, shortened from arrabō pledge, from Greek arrabon, from Hebrew `ērābhōn pledge, from `ārabh he pledgedUsage examples
I looked around for Marianne, but she seemed to be involved in a very earnest conversation with a middle-aged man.
, THE EXECUTION (2002)The problem is that the liberal-left has a tendency to be suffocatingly earnest , which leaves little room for piss-taking.
Spiked (2004)Kieran Murphy and Niall McCarthy divided five points from play between them and were earnest and enthusiastic around the half-forward line.
Irish Times (2002)That will be the signal for campaigning to begin in earnest , with polling day expected on May 5 to coincide with county council elections.
Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2005)Nothing will so enlarge your intellect or magnify your entire soul than a devout, earnest investigation of God.
, Diamonds in the Dust (1993)