Earnest
['ɜːnɪst]
Definition
(noun.) something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract.
(adj.) characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions; 'both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate'; 'an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant'; 'a film with a solemn social message' .
Checker: Sandra--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
(a.) Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
(a.) Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
(a.) Serious; important.
(v. t.) To use in earnest.
(n.) Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
(n.) Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.
Edited by Benson
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Ardent, zealous, eager, fervent, fervid, glowing, animated, importunate, warm, hearty.[2]. Intent, steady, fixed, close.
n. [1]. Seriousness, reality, not a jest.[2]. Pledge, first-fruits.[3]. Earnest-money.
Edited by Ingram
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Eager, serious, intent, determined, strenuous, solemn, grave, warm, fervent,intense, ardent
ANT:Indifferent, idle, playful, desultory, irresolute, unearnest, sportive,jesting, flippant
Typed by Audrey
Definition
adj. showing strong desire: determined: eager to obtain: intent: sincere: serious.—n. seriousness: reality.—adv. Ear′nestly.—n. Ear′nestness.
n. money given in token of a bargain made—also Ear′nest-mon′ey Ear′nest-penn′y: a pledge: first-fruits.
Inputed by Jane
Examples
- I have no doubt that their leaving was at the earnest solicitation of the War Department. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- Her life was ebbing fast, when her friends acceded to her earnest desire to be removed to a more airy situation. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- She's that earnest, says Mr. Bagnet, and true to her colours--that, touch us with a finger--and she turns out--and stands to her arms. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- He was very earnest, and earnestness was always rather ridiculous, commonplace, to her. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- He spoke like a man in earnest--there was no denying that. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- He was too much in earnest now to feel any false constraint in speaking his mind. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- She was very earnest to see the corpse. Mary Shelley. Frankenstein_Or_The Modern Prometheus.
- A word in earnest is as good as a speech. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Tom seemed to think there was decidedly room for improvement in me, and seemed very earnest that I should be converted. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- But it was not so; I was the same in strength, in earnest craving for sympathy, in my yearning for active exertion. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- I think it is rather our way to be in earnest. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- I am that much in earnest. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- I know this is a confidence, she modestly said, after a little hesitation, and in earnest tears, I know you would say this to no one else. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- Adrian and Ryland were still in earnest discussion. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- We redoubled our tenderness and earnest attentions. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
Checker: Tom