EARNEST

earnest

Noun

  1. Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.
  2. Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to jesting or feigned appearance); fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. A sum of money paid in advance as a deposit; hence, a pledge, a guarantee, an indication of something to come.

Verb

  1. To be serious with; use in earnest.

Adjective

  1. Serious in speech or action; eager; urgent; importunate; pressing; instant.
  2. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavour; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; — used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
  3. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
  4. Possessing or characterised by seriousness; strongly bent; intent.
    an earnest disposition
  5. Strenuous; diligent.
    earnest efforts
  6. Serious; weighty; of a serious, weighty, or important nature; not trifling or feigned; important.


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