Definition of earnest
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
earnest
noun (1)Definition of earnest (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: a serious and intent mental state
a proposal made in earnest
2
: a considerable or impressive degree or amount
the sap started running in earnest
earnest
noun (2)Definition of earnest (Entry 3 of 3)
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for earnest
The first known use of earnest was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century