earnest
word
Definition
If someone is earnest, they are very serious and sincere about what they are doing or saying, showing strong intention and honest effort.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly formal or literary. Often used with abstract qualities or feelings ("earnest desire"). Not casual—use 'serious' informally. Can describe expressions, efforts, requests.
Spanish: serio - sinceroPortuguese (BR): sério - sinceroPortuguese (PT): sério - sinceroChinese (Simplified): 认真的 - 诚恳的Chinese (Traditional): 認真的 - 誠懇的Hindi: गंभीर - ईमानदारArabic: جدي - مخلصBengali: গম্ভীর - আন্তরিকRussian: серьёзный - искреннийJapanese: 真剣な - 熱心なVietnamese: tha thiết - nghiêm túcKorean: 진지한 - 성실한Turkish: ciddi - içtenUrdu: مخلص - سنجیدہIndonesian: sungguh-sungguh - serius
Example Sentences
She gave an earnest answer to every question.
basic
The teacher spoke in an earnest voice.
basic
You can tell by her earnest expression that she cares a lot.
natural
Let me be earnest—I really want this job.
natural
He made an earnest attempt to learn Spanish.
basic
Their earnest efforts finally paid off after months of hard work.
natural