When something begins in earnest, it has already started but is now being done in a serious and complete way: The election campaign has begun in earnest. to be speaking honestly: I thought he was joking - I didn't realize he was in earnest.

What does you are in earnest mean?

If you are earnest, it means you are serious about something. Your parents might not want you to drop out of school to follow some fly-by-night dream, but if you're earnest about wanting a career in show biz, they'll support you. If you are earnest, you pursue your purpose in a steady, sincere, and eager way.

What does it mean when a person is earnest?

1 : characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind. 2 : grave, important. earnest.