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1. Dictionary

   Ear·nest

   /ˈərnəst/

   

   noun

   • 1. a thing intended or regarded as a sign or promise of what is to come: "the presence of the troops is an earnest of the world's desire not to see the conflict repeated elsewhere"

   Word Origin Middle Englishernes, literally ‘installment paid to confirm a contract’, based on Old French erres, from Latin arra, shortened form of arrabo ‘a pledge’. The spelling was influenced by words ending in -ness; the final -t is probably by association with earnest1.

   Scrabble Points: 7

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryEARNEST | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   adjective. us / ˈɝː.nɪst / uk / ˈɜː.nɪst / Add to word list. serious and determined, especially too serious and unable to find your own actions funny: He was a very earnest young man. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples. lacking humor and not meant to be funny. serious She had a serious look on her face.

3. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › earnestEarnest - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › earnest

   Definitions of earnest. adjective. characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions. “both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate” synonyms: sincere, solemn. serious. concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities. adjective. devout or heartfelt. synonyms: dear, devout, heartfelt.

4. www.thefreedictionary.com › earnestEarnest - definition of earnest by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › earnest

   • Cached

   1. a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder. 2. (Law) contract law Also called: earnest money something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract. 3. any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishEARNEST definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   5 days ago · full seriousness, as of intention or purpose. to speak in earnest. SYNONYMS 1. fervent, intent, purposeful, determined, industrious, ambitious. earnest, resolute, serious, sincere imply having qualities of depth and firmness. earnest implies having a purpose and being steadily and soberly eager in pursuing it: an earnest student. resolute adds ...

6. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_englishearnest adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_english

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   earnest serious and sincere: The earnest young doctor answered all our questions. an earnest attempt to communicate solemn looking or sounding very serious, without smiling; done or said in a very serious and sincere way: The minister wore a solemn expression.

7. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionearnest adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   /ˈɜːnɪst/ /ˈɜːrnɪst/ Idioms. very serious and sincere. an earnest young man. Despite her earnest efforts, she could not find a job. When I looked over, he was in earnest conversation with his father. She was nice enough, but perhaps a little too earnest. Oxford Collocations Dictionary. Word Origin. Take your English to the next level.

8. www.dictionary.com › browse › earnests&EARNEST Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › earnests&

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   Earnest definition: serious and zealous in intention, purpose, or effort. See examples of EARNEST used in a sentence.