I. ˈər-nəst noun
Etymology: Middle English ernest, from Old English eornost; akin to Old High German ernust earnest
Date: before 12th century
1. : a serious and intent mental state
a proposal made in earnest
2. : a considerable or impressive degree or amount
the sap started running in earnest
II. adjective
Date: before 12th century
1. : characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
2. : grave , important
Synonyms: see serious
• ear·nest·ly adverb
• ear·nest·ness -nəs(t)-nəs noun
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English ernes, ernest, from Anglo-French arres, erres, plural of erre earnest, from Latin arra, short for arrabo, from Greek arrhabōn, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew ‘ērābhōn pledge
Date: 13th century
1. : something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain
2. : a token of what is to come : pledge