Collins English-English Dictionary

earnest ['3ːnɪst]

1. 1. adj serious in mind or intention

   an earnest student

2. 2. adj showing or characterized by sincerity of intention

   an earnest promise

3. 3. adj demanding or receiving serious attention

4. 4. n seriousness

5. 5. n [Etymology] Old English eornost; related to Old High German ernust seriousness, Old Norse ern energetic, efficient, Gothic arniba secure

earnest ['3ːnɪst]

1. 1. n a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder

2. 2. n [contract law] earnest money something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract

3. 3. n any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance

4. 4. n [Etymology] C13: from Old French erres pledges, plural of erre earnest money, from Latin arrha, shortened from arrabo pledge, from Greek arrabon, from Hebrew `erabhon pledge, from `arabh he pledged