noun
a state of freedom from all jesting or trifling
he studied with great earnestness
Synonyms: earnest, intentness, serious-mindedness, seriousness
Related Word: doggedness, perseverance, persistence; decision, determination, firmness, purposefulness, resolve; absorption, attentiveness, concentration, engrossment; deliberation; gravity, sobriety
Contrasted words: levity, lightness; shallowness, superficiality; carelessness, slackness
Antonyms: frivolity