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Definition of earnest : 1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; - used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
2. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
3. Serious; important.
4. Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
5. Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
6. Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.
7. To use in earnest.

Synonyms:

importunate, purposeful, high-priced, good, heartfelt, beloved, pricy, hot, pricey, businesslike, momentous, heavy, attitude, impetuous, near, keen, staid, impatient, severe, work, in earnest, warm, god-fearing, glowing, desirous, no-nonsense, devout, darling, weighty, longing, anxious, sobersided, vehement, dear, yearning, important, costly

grim, demure, sober, intense, sedate, solemn, dignified, grave, somber

indefatigable, inexorable, persevering, committed, resolute, determined, fearless, true, persistent, ruthless, bold, stubborn, unwavering, thorough, unyielding, unshakeable, dedicated, unbending, courageous, deliberate, decided, tough, decisive, tireless, indomitable, implacable, devoted, reliable, loyal, stern, uncompromising, relentless, diligent, staunch, steely, strong-minded, bullheaded, faithful, strong-willed, tenacious, steady, constant, intent, plucky, headstrong, valiant, steadfast, serious, unflinching, unchangeable, firm, dogged, resolved, iron-willed, set, dauntless, insistent, spunky

frank, sincere, candid, truthful, honorable, factual, ethical, trustworthy, honest, straightforward

fervent, energetic, burning, spirited, emphatic, hearty, animated, full-blooded, passionate, potent, mettlesome, sprightly, fiery, zestful, frisky, impassioned, agitated, afire, enthusiastic, prolific, puissant, excited, peppy, zealous, industrious, zippy, strenuous, strong, vigorous, eager, lively, virile, powerful, lusty, active, ardent, exuberant, ablaze

cooperative, tame, agreeable, malleable, flexible, submissive, compliant, amenable, receptive, acquiescent, pliant, persuadable, pliable, adaptable, yielding, tractable, ready, willing, plastic, biddable, assenting, susceptible, ductile

Usage examples:

• It was clear from his letter that he was much in earnest. - "The Duke's Children", Anthony Trollope.
• Are you in earnest in all this strange talk? - "A Knight Of The Nineteenth Century", E. P. Roe.
• But you're not in earnest, surely? - "After a Shadow, and Other Stories", T. S. Arthur.