earnestness

American  

[ur-nist-nis] / ˈɜr nɪst nɪs /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of earnestness

earnest ¹ ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

So far, his low-key earnestness has struck a chord with the British public, with nearly 71% approving of him.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like every other detail here, that implicit complaint is dusty and ossified, and Mr. Williamson’s formerly wised-up dialogue has been supplanted by a grinding earnestness, with everyone constantly asking about one another’s feelings.

From The Wall Street Journal

The earnestness transferred into the character and lifted it.

From Los Angeles Times

The group’s aesthetic blends ’90s nostalgia and modern editing tricks, all delivered with a curious blend of camp and earnestness.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having lost his right arm, he is told, in all earnestness, “There are people who, funnily enough, would give their right arm to be able to do what you do.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ardor
• devotion
• enthusiasm
• fervor
• firmness
• intensity
• sincerity
• solemnity
• tenacity
• urgency
• warmth
• zeal