in earnest

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Sincere

   Sincere; determined; truthful.

   • "I wasn't in earnest. I only brought it in joke."
   • She replied, "When did I ever tell you a lie ? I am in earnest."
   • Samuel was stern, serious and deeply in earnest. He seldom smiled and never laughed. He was uncompromisingly religious, conscientious and morally unbending.
2. 2

   With considerable commitment, determination, or effect

   With considerable commitment, determination, or effect; significantly.

   • It's snowing in earnest right now.
   • The gentlemen wear swords, and may easily have pistols in their pockets—most likely have, indeed. If they fire at each other without effect, then they’ll draw, and go to work in earnest.
   • But I see that if I were to live in a wilderness I should again be tempted to become a fisher and hunter in earnest.
3. 3

   Having a sincere intent. (of a person)

   • He was talking in earnest, even though his speech carried an ironic tone.

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