earnestness

[ur-nist-nis]

noun

1. seriousness and zeal in intention, purpose, or effort.

   Socrates was a man of great moral earnestness, and exemplified in his own life some of the noblest virtues.

2. depth and sincerity of feeling.

   Speak with conviction and earnestness, and the people watching and listening will believe you.

Word History and Origins

Origin of earnestness¹

earnest ¹ ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

I hear similarities in the guitar playing, though I think you balance earnestness with a knowing quality I don’t get from stomp-clap.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He characterized the backlash against his song as an aversion to earnestness, one that no doubt existed at the time his single was climbing the charts.

Read more on Salon

His earnestness is comic and sweet and dangerous.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But it’s clear that there’s a hunger for earnestness amid the irreverence.

Read more on Salon

And then there’s knowing when to let some of the earnestness go and care a little less — not because of cynicism, but because you actually want to push forward, and that requires working with others.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• ardor 
• devotion 
• enthusiasm 
• fervor 
• firmness www.thesaurus.com
• intensity 
• sincerity 
• solemnity 
• tenacity 
• urgency 
• warmth 
• zeal