earnest
Translation
earnest, sincere, serious
Examples
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
He made an earnest attempt to solve the problem.
She has an earnest desire to help others.
She has an earnest desire to help others.
They were in earnest conversation.
They were in earnest conversation.
Grammar Patterns
an earnest ((noun)) a sincere (noun) He gave an earnest apology.
in earnest seriously They began to work in earnest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sincere, serious, solemn; Antonyms: flippant, frivolous, insincere
Etymology
From Old English 'eornost', meaning 'seriousness, zeal'. It is related to the German word 'Ernst'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'earn-est' as someone trying their 'earn-est' (best) to be sincere.