How Do You Spell EARNEST?

Pronunciation: [ˈɜːnəst] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "earnest" follows the English language's complex orthography. The word is pronounced /ˈɜːrnɪst/, with the stress on the first syllable. The initial "e" is pronounced with an open mid-central vowel sound, 'ɜː', which can be tricky for non-native speakers. The 'r' sound in the second syllable is pronounced with a slight retroflexion, and the 'n' sound is nasalized. Finally, the word ends with a 't' sound, but the final 't' is often silent in American English.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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EARNEST Meaning and Definition

  1. Earnest is an adjective that describes a sincere and serious attitude or behavior. It refers to someone who is deeply committed, dedicated, and wholeheartedly engaged in what they are doing or saying. Being earnest implies a genuine and honest approach, free of any pretense or superficiality.

    An earnest individual is characterized by their strong sense of purpose and determination. They approach tasks with diligence, putting in extra effort to achieve their goals. Their sincerity is reflected in their actions and words, as they genuinely believe in what they are doing and express themselves earnestly. Such individuals are reliable and trustworthy, as they have a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.

    Earnestness is often associated with passionate involvement in one's work, studies, or personal relationships. It is an attitude that encompasses a deep level of commitment, dedication, and seriousness. People who are earnest tend to be seen as highly motivated and focused, as they give their utmost attention and devotion to their endeavors.

    In summary, being earnest refers to demonstrating sincerity, dedication, and a wholehearted approach to one's actions, words, or beliefs. An earnest person is honest, diligent, reliable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. Their commitment and seriousness are evident in their behavior, reflecting a genuine and deep involvement in whatever they undertake.

  2. • Earnestly.
    • Done with a will; with hearty endeavour to attain the end aimed at; eager to obtain; zealous; sincere; serious.
    • Money given in hand to assure a bargain; first-fruits; pledge; assurance; in Scot.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EARNEST *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EARNEST

Etymology of EARNEST

The word "earnest" has an interesting etymology. It ultimately comes from the Old English word "eornost", which means "zeal" or "passion". This Old English term was influenced by the Old High German word "erust", meaning "combat", and the Old Norse word "órna", meaning "eagerness". Over time, "eornost" evolved into "earnest" in Middle English, with its meaning shifting to convey sincerity, seriousness, or a genuine commitment towards something.

Idioms with the word EARNEST

  • in earnest The idiom "in earnest" is defined as doing something sincerely, seriously, or with full commitment and determination. It refers to engaging in an activity or pursuing a goal with genuine dedication and a strong sense of purpose.

Similar spelling words for EARNEST

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