in earnest
Definition of in earnest
1 : in an earnest or serious way The search began in earnest when the police arrived. After light showers during the day, it began to rain in earnest in the evening. It's hard to tell if he's making this proposal in earnest.
2 : not fooling : serious and sincere We thought he was joking at first, but then we realized that he was in earnest.
Read the Latest from M-W
Word by Word Definitions
: a serious and intent mental state
: a considerable or impressive degree or amount
: characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
: grave, important
: something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain
: a token of what is to come : pledge
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up in earnest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!