earnest

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1 1.2.1 Adjective 1.2.1.1 Translations 1.2.2 Noun 1.3 Etymology 2 1.3.1 Noun 1.3.2 See also 1.4 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈɜː(ɹ)nɪst/, /ˈɜː(ɹ)nɛst/ SAMPA: /"3:(r)nIst/, /"3:(r)nEst/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Etymology 1

Old English eornost

[edit] Adjective

earnest (comparative more earnest, superlative most earnest)

1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavour; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
2. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
3. Serious; important.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

earnest (uncountable)

1. Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.

[edit] Etymology 2

Middle English ernes, from Latin

[edit] Noun

earnest (uncountable)

1. Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
2. Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.

[edit] See also

• Earnest
• earnest money

[edit] Anagrams

• Anagrams of aeenrst
• eastern
• estrane
• nearest
• sterane