earnest

¹

[ur-nist]

adjective

1. serious and zealous in intention, purpose, or effort.

   an earnest worker.

   Synonyms: ambitious, industrious, determined, purposeful, intent, fervent
   Antonyms: frivolous

2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling.

   earnest words; an earnest entreaty.

3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention.

noun

1. seriousness and zealousness.

   to speak in earnest.

earnest

²

[ur-nist]

noun

1. a portion of something, given or done in advance as a pledge of the remainder.

2. Law.,  earnest money.

3. anything that gives pledge, promise, or indication of what is to follow.

earnest

¹

/ ˈɜːnɪst /

adjective

1. serious in mind or intention

   an earnest student

2. showing or characterized by sincerity of intention

   an earnest promise

3. demanding or receiving serious attention

noun

1. seriousness

2. with serious or sincere intentions

earnest

²

/ ˈɜːnɪst /

noun

1. a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder

2. Also called: earnest money. contract law something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract

3. any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance

Other Word Forms

• earnestly adverb
• earnestness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of earnest¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English erneste, Old English eornoste (adjective); Middle English ernest, Old English eornost (noun); cognate with Dutch, German ernest

Origin of earnest²

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English ernes(t), alteration of Old French erres, plural of erre “earnest money,” from Latin arr(h)a, short for arr(h)abō (perhaps by misunderstanding -bō as a future tense ending; placebo ( def. ) ), from Greek arrhabṓn, from Semitic (compare Hebrew ʿērāvôn “security, pledge”); arras ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of earnest¹

Old English eornost; related to Old High German ernust seriousness, Old Norse ern energetic, efficient, Gothic arniba secure

Origin of earnest²

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 pledged

Idioms and Phrases

see in earnest.

Synonym Study

Earnest, resolute, serious, sincere imply having qualities of depth and firmness. Earnest implies having a purpose and being steadily and soberly eager in pursuing it: an earnest student. Resolute adds a quality of determination: resolute in defending the right. Serious implies having depth and a soberness of attitude that contrasts with gaiety and frivolity; it may include the qualities of both earnestness and resolution: serious and thoughtful. Sincere suggests genuineness, trustworthiness, and absence of superficiality: a sincere interest in music.

Example Sentences

Prince Andrew’s slow relegation from the House of Windsor began in earnest six years ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As much of Europe buckles under the weight of mass tourism, Georgia is only now getting in on the action in earnest.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But he shed the glasses after laser eye surgery and adopted a less earnest demeanour that saw him impress in his ubiquitous media appearances during the campaign.

Read more on Barron's

Hot conditions and Santa Ana winds will hit Southern California this week, beginning the fall wildfire season in earnest as the region continues to recover from January’s devastating firestorms.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mbappe did not have long to wait before he could celebrate in earnest, after fine movement and a perfect pass by Bellingham sent him through on goal.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ardent 
• diligent 
• fervent 
• heartfelt 
• impassioned 
• passionate 
• purposeful 
• sincere 
• urgent