earnest

B1
Pronunciation
/ˈɜːnɪst/
/ˈɝnɪst/
Noun
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.

2 Definition

Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to joking or pretence)

3 Definition

A sum of money paid in advance as a deposit; hence, a pledge, a guarantee, an indication of something to come.

Verb
8 definition(s)
1 Definition

To be serious with; use in earnest.

2 Definition

To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.

Example Sentences
  • You can have the s'mores: you earned them, clearing the walkway of snow so well.
3 Definition

To receive payment for work.

Example Sentences
  • He earns seven million dollars a year as CEO.  My bank account is only earning one percent interest.
  • Now that you are earning, you can start paying me rent.
4 Definition

To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.

Example Sentences
  • My CD earns me six percent!
5 Definition

To achieve by being worthy of.

Example Sentences
  • to earn a spot in the top 20
6 Definition

To curdle, as milk.

7 Definition

To long; to yearn.

8 Definition

To grieve.

Adjective
6 definition(s)
1 Definition

(said of an action or an utterance) Serious or honest

2 Definition

(with a positive sense) Focused in the pursuit of an objective; eager to obtain or do.

Example Sentences
  • earnest prayers
3 Definition

Intent; focused; showing a lot of concentration.

Example Sentences
  • earnest attention.
4 Definition

(said of a person or a person's character) Possessing or characterised by seriousness.

Example Sentences
  • an earnest disposition
5 Definition

Strenuous; diligent.

Example Sentences
  • earnest efforts
6 Definition

Serious; weighty; of a serious, weighty, or important nature; important.