B1adjectiveformalemotions
US/ˈɜːr.nɪst/
UK/ˈɜː.nɪst/
very serious and sincere about what you say or do
In context
He is an earnest young man who always tries to do the right thing.
She made an earnest request for more time to finish the report.
The rain stopped, and the work on the new road began in earnest.
Words that go with earnest
noun + preposition
- in earnestAfter the holiday, revision for the exams started in earnest.
adjective + noun
- earnest effortThe city is making an earnest effort to reduce traffic jams.
- earnest desireHe has an earnest desire to help poor children in the mountains.
- earnest requestThey ignored our earnest request for a quieter room.
- earnest expressionShe listened with an earnest expression on her face.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The project started in earnestly.Correct: The project started in earnest.