something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
Used in a Sentence
earnest
How to use earnest in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for earnest.
Editorial note
He is probably a very nice, very earnest person.
Examples8
Definitions4
Parts of speech2
Quick take
something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of earnest gathered in one view.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions; "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"
earnest; "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for 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; "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"
adjective
earnest; "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"
adjective
not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal
See also: businesslike
Example sentences
He is probably a very nice, very earnest person.
He's very obviously earnest, and not in the naive way often encountered in the Bay Area these days.
I don't understand the context, but I don't know why you'd publicly post an email like that when it seems like an earnest attempt to recruit the guy. "No thanks" would suffice.
He seems earnest, but the thought of being part of an Arrington fund feels a lot like participating in a reality show.
> Apple's restrictions have little to do with controlling device ownersI would think you were making a joke if not for the earnest tone of your post.
I honestly don't care whether the Chinese or the Americans invest in space exploration - as long as anyone start doing it in earnest again.
I would take Dawkins' earnest, educated, rational and well-meaning brand of urgent atheism over fundamentalist religion any day.
Obviously there's no details at this point, but he absolutely takes responsibility, doesn't try to deflect or sugar coat it, and manages to find a tone that is both professional/serious, yet also down-to-earth and earnest.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use earnest in a sentence?
He is probably a very nice, very earnest person.
What does earnest mean?
something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
What part of speech is earnest?
earnest is commonly used as noun, adjective.