Definitions for earnest

• Definition
• Anagrams (250)

earnest ear·nest

Spelling: [ur-nist]

IPA: /ˈɜr nɪst/

Earnest is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 7 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 8 points.

You can make 250 anagrams from letters in earnest (aeenrst).

Definitions for earnest

noun

1. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose:
2. a portion of something, given or done in advance as a pledge of the remainder.
3. Law. earnest money.
4. anything that gives pledge, promise, or indication of what is to follow.

adjective

1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous:
2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling:
3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention.

Origin of earnest

before 1000; Middle English erneste, Old English eornoste (adj.); Middle English ernest, Old English eornost (noun); cognate with Dutch, German ernest

Examples for earnest

Tragically, Cary did not live to complete the second volume, and in 2000 I began work in earnest on this book.

But I came in time to see that he was not as earnest as I had been.

They would serve to shew me, she was pleased to say, how much in earnest my father was.

Few politicians garner the celebrity that Senator Booker does, and fewer still seem so earnest and human while doing it.

The US first considered the idea in the 1820s, but interest was revived in earnest after the California Gold Rush began in 1849.

“The president often says only the tough issues reach his desk,” earnest said with half a smile.

She had feared he might rush his proposal through that night; he had been so much in earnest.

It almost makes you wonder if Lizard Squad did this just to annoy Anonymous and the other earnest champions of privacy.

As Philothea turned towards her companion, she met Aspasia's earnest gaze.

Nor will any body else believe you in earnest in the offer, if I would.