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Uncommon

earnest

The correct spelling is earnest.

How to pronounce earnest

/ˈɜːnɪst/
noun

IPA: /ˈɜːnɪst/

Say it like: Eer-nes-t

The correct spelling is earnest. Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness. For example: "earnest prayers"

Usage Examples

earnest prayers

earnest attention.

an earnest disposition

Meanings

noun

  1. 1.Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.
  2. 2.Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to joking or pretence)
  3. 3.A sum of money paid in advance as a deposit; hence, a pledge, a guarantee, an indication of something to come.

verb

  1. 1.To be serious with; use in earnest.
  2. 2.To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.
  3. 3.To receive payment for work.
  4. 4.To receive payment for work.
  5. 5.To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.

adjective

  1. 1.(said of an action or an utterance) Serious or honest
  2. 2.(with a positive sense) Focused in the pursuit of an objective; eager to obtain or do.
  3. 3.Intent; focused; showing a lot of concentration.
  4. 4.(said of a person or a person's character) Possessing or characterised by seriousness.
  5. 5.Strenuous; diligent.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples