His simple, earnest response and the conviction on his face floored her. … Preparations were made in earnest for his subjugation. … The tears started in earnest as she reached the laundry room. … His political career began in earnest at the opening of the War of 1812.

What is earnest example?

Earnest is defined as the state of being serious or intense. A contract is an agreement that is an example of something made in earnest. … The definition of earnest is intense and not playful, or important. An example of someone earnest is a preacher speaking to a congregation of devout followers.

What does your 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.