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earnest

/ˈɜːnɪst/

noun

Meaning

  • Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.

  • Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to joking or pretence)

verb

Meaning

  • To be serious with; use in earnest.

adjective

Meaning

  • (said of an action or an utterance) Serious or honest

  • (with a positive sense) Focused in the pursuit of an objective; eager to obtain or do.

    "earnest prayers"

  • Intent; focused; showing a lot of concentration.

    "earnest attention."

  • (said of a person or a person's character) Possessing or characterised by seriousness.

    "an earnest disposition"

  • Strenuous; diligent.

    "earnest efforts"

  • Serious; weighty; of a serious, weighty, or important nature; important.