- (a.) Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
- (n.) Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.
- (a.) Serious; important.
- (v.t.) To use in earnest.
- (a.) Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
- (n.) Something given or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
- (n.) Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). earnest. Retrieved September 23, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/2001285 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "earnest" http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/2001285 (accessed September 23, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, earnest, Smart Define, viewed 23 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/2001285>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "earnest" 27 May 2011. Web. 23 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/earnest/definitions/2001285> |