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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. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › earnestEarnest Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › earnest

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   The meaning of EARNEST is characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind. How to use earnest in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Earnest.

3. www.dictionary.com › browse › earnestEARNEST Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › earnest

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   serious and zealous in intention, purpose, or effort: an earnest worker. Synonyms: ambitious, industrious, determined, purposeful, intent, fervent. Antonyms: frivolous. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishEARNEST | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   EARNEST definition: 1. serious and determined, especially too serious and unable to find your own actions funny: 2…. Learn more.

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   EARNEST meaning: 1. serious and determined, especially too serious and unable to find your own actions funny: 2…. Learn more.

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

   www.thefreedictionary.com › earnest

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   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.

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

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   very serious and sincere about what you are saying and about your intentions; in a way that shows that you are serious. You may laugh but I'm in deadly earnest. I could tell she spoke in earnest. See earnest in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Check pronunciation: earnest.

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

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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

9. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryEARNEST | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

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   EARNEST meaning: 1. very serious and sincere: 2. If something begins to happen in earnest, it really starts to…. Learn more.

10. www.yourdictionary.com › earnestEarnest Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

    www.yourdictionary.com › earnest

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    Showing or expressing sincerity or seriousness. An earnest gesture of goodwill. American Heritage. Serious and intense; not joking or playful; sincere, ardent, etc. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Serious in speech or action; eager; urgent; importunate; pressing; instant. Wiktionary.

11. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › earnestearnest | meaning of earnest in Longman Dictionary of...

    www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › earnest

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    earnest meaning, definition, what is earnest: very serious and sincere: Learn more.