What is the meaning of earnest?

noun

  • Something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract.

adjective

  • Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions.
    • usage: "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"
  • Earnest.
    • usage: "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
  • Not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal.
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
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APAWordNet. (2010). Earnest. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/1173025
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "Earnest" http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/1173025 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, Earnest, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/1173025>.
MLAWordNet. "Earnest" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/1173025>
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