in earnest

Idioms  

1. With purposeful or sincere intent, as in We settled down to study in earnest . [c. a.d. 1000]

2. Also, in dead earnest . Serious, determined, as in We thought he was joking, but he was in earnest , or I'm in dead earnest about selling the business . In the variant, from the late 1800s, dead means “completely” or “thoroughly” and is used purely for emphasis. [c. a.d. 1000]

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Example Sentences

“We think the inventory will grow as drilling continues in earnest, especially at the underground deposits,” Hissey says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Is Mr. Clark being playful here, or is he in earnest?

From The Wall Street Journal

While the war in Iran lately has instilled volatility in the market, the software selloff began in earnest at the end of January.

From Barron's

Development of its massive resources began in earnest in the 1980s.

From Salon

In mid-November the rains started in earnest, chilly, drenching day-long downpours that left beads of moisture even on the inside walls.

From Literature

Related Words

• actively
• earnestly
• passionately
• sincerely
• vigorously