Earnest
/ˈɜːrnɪst/noun
Serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous.
Did you know?The word 'earnest' has deep ties to ancient rituals, where sincerity in intention was believed to invoke the favor of the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*ernustaz
“seriousness, seriousness of purpose”
Old English
OE
earnioste
“seriousness, earnestness”
Middle English
ME
ernest
“seriousness, intention, or purpose”
14th Century
Middle English
ernest
“deeply serious or sincere in intention”
Modern English
English
earnest
“characterized by a serious and sincere attitude or purpose.”
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