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EARNEST

Pronunciation (US):

• EARNEST (noun)
The noun EARNEST has 1 sense:

1. something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract

Familiarity information: EARNEST used as a noun is very rare.

• EARNEST (adjective)
The adjective EARNEST has 3 senses:

1. characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
2. earnest
3. not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

Familiarity information: EARNEST used as an adjective is uncommon.

• EARNEST (noun)

Sense 1

earnest ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting possession and transfer of possession

Hypernyms ("earnest" is a kind of...):

security; surety (property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "earnest"):

arles; earnest money (money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract)

• EARNEST (adjective)

Sense 1

earnest ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

Synonyms:

earnest; solemn; sincere

Context examples:

both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate / an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant / a film with a solemn social message

Similar:

serious (concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities)

Sense 2

earnest ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Earnest

Synonyms:

heartfelt; devout; earnest; dear

Context examples:

one's dearest wish / devout wishes for their success / heartfelt condolences

Similar:

sincere (open and genuine; not deceitful)

Sense 3

earnest ^{[BACK TO TOP]}

Meaning:

Not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

Synonyms:

businesslike; earnest

Similar:

purposeful (serving as or indicating the existence of a purpose or goal)

"It's an ill wind that blows no good."
(English proverb)
"Weeps the field because of no seeds."
(Albanian proverb)
"The forest provides food to the hunter after they are exhaustingly tired."
(Zimbabwean proverb)
"Little by little the measure is filled."
(Corsican proverb)

Useful links:
Pronunciation of security
Meaning of arles
Pronunciation of earnest money
Meaning of serious
Pronunciation of sincere

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