earnest
gb/ˈɚnɪst/ us/ˈɚnɪst/
B2
English
~ 2000
komoly, őszinte, komolyság, őszinteség, foglaló
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is earnest about [something]
She gave an earnest speech about protecting the environment.
Őszinte és komoly hangvételű beszédet mondott a környezet védelméről.
He looked at her with earnest eyes, hoping she would understand.
Komoly, őszinte tekintettel nézett rá, remélve, hogy megérti.
The teacher made an earnest effort to help every student succeed.
They had an earnest discussion about their future plans.
His apology was earnest and heartfelt.
Learner examples
I am earnest about my work.
Komolyan veszem a munkámat.
She spoke in an earnest voice.
Őszinte, komoly hangon beszélt.
He made an earnest promise to help.
They are earnest about learning English.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'earnest' with 'honest'. 'Earnest' means serious and sincere, not just truthful.
Meaning
serious and sincere in attitude
Collocations
earnest effort
|earnest desire
|earnest appeal
|in earnest
|earnest expression
Synonyms
serious (More general; can describe situations, tone, or personality without implying sincerity.)
|
sincere (Focuses on honesty and genuineness, without necessarily implying seriousness.)
Antonyms
frivolous (Lacking seriousness or importance.)
|
insincere (Not expressing genuine feelings or intentions.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|character
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Being very serious and honest about what you say or do.
Showing deep sincerity and seriousness in thought, speech, or action.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
komolyság
B1
őszinteség
B1
Usage pattern:
in earnest
Negotiations began in earnest after both sides agreed to the terms.
A tárgyalások érdemben azután kezdődtek meg, hogy mindkét fél elfogadta a feltételeket.
She spoke with great earnest about the need for change.
Nagy komolysággal beszélt a változás szükségességéről.
His earnest was clear in every word he said.
Learner examples
The work started in earnest.
A munka teljes erővel megkezdődött.
He spoke in great earnest.
Teljes komolysággal beszélt.
They began the game in earnest.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'earnest' as a noun without the correct preposition, e.g., 'with earnest' instead of 'in earnest'.
Meaning
seriousness and sincerity
Collocations
with earnest
|in earnest
Synonyms
seriousness (Neutral; refers to gravity without implying sincerity.)
|
sincerity (Focuses on genuineness rather than seriousness.)
Antonyms
triviality (Lack of seriousness or importance.)
|
insincerity (Lack of genuine feeling or intention.)
Themes
emotions
|character
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The quality of being very serious and honest.
A state of being serious and sincere in intention or effort.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
foglaló
B2
Usage pattern:
pay [an] earnest [amount]
They put down earnest money to secure the house.
Foglalót tettek le, hogy biztosítsák maguknak a házat.
An earnest was required before the contract could be signed.
A szerződés aláírása előtt foglalót kértek.
He paid an earnest to show he was serious about buying the car.
Learner examples
We gave earnest money for the house.
Foglalót adtunk a házra.
He paid an earnest before signing.
Aláírás előtt foglalót fizetett.
They put down an earnest for the car.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'earnest money' with a full payment; it is only a part payment showing intention.
Meaning
deposit given as a sign of commitment
Collocations
earnest money
|pay earnest
Synonyms
deposit (Most common term; used more broadly for any advance payment.)
Antonyms
refund (Money returned when an agreement is canceled.)
Themes
business
|law
|finance
Definition
Money paid to show you will keep a deal or buy something.
A sum of money given as a sign of commitment to a contract or agreement, especially in property transactions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
earnest
IPA
GB/ˈɚnɪst/
US/ˈɚnɪst/
Syllables & stress
earn - est (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (earn)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: earnest
Noun
- Base: earnest
- Plural: earnest
Word family
Core family
earnestly
adverb B1
earnestness
noun
Expressions
earnest money
1/ˈɚnɪst mˈʌni/
fixed phrase
formal
money paid to show commitment to a deal
Money you pay to show you will buy something, often a house.
Examples
- They gave the seller earnest money to hold the property.
- Earnest money is usually returned if the deal falls through under certain conditions.
in earnest
1/ˈɪn ˈɚnɪst/
fixed phrase
begin seriously or with full effort
To start doing something seriously and with full effort.
Examples
- The meeting began in earnest after everyone arrived.
- Training will start in earnest next week.