earnest
1ear·nest
noun \ˈər-nəst\Definition of EARNEST
1
: a serious and intent mental state <a proposal made in earnest>
2
: a considerable or impressive degree or amount <the sap started running in earnest>
Examples of EARNEST
- The sidewalks were crowded as women and men argued and bargained with each other as the shopping day began in earnest. —Harold Robbins, The Storyteller, 1985
- Books are an addiction, that, when aroused in earnest, is rarely calmed. —Joseph Epstein, The Middle of My Tether, 1983
- The divorce proceedings began in earnest, and they were earnestly vile. —Angie Bowie et al., US, 23 Nov. 1982
- On Easter Monday the rain began in earnest. —Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia, (1977) 2003
- [+]more
Origin of EARNEST
Middle English ernest, from Old English eornost; akin to Old High German ernust earnest
First Known Use: before 12th century
Learn More About EARNEST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: earnestful
Previous Word in the Dictionary: earned surplus
All Words Near: earnest
Previous Word in the Dictionary: earned surplus
All Words Near: earnest
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up earnest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
