earnestly
gb/ˈɚnɪstli/ us/ˈɚnɪstli/
B1
English
~ 3100
komolyan, őszintén
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to speak/listen/ask [something] earnestly
She spoke earnestly about the need for change.
Komoly meggyőződéssel beszélt a változás szükségességéről.
He earnestly requested a chance to explain.
Őszintén kérte, hogy kapjon lehetőséget a magyarázatra.
They listened earnestly to the teacher's instructions.
The volunteers worked earnestly to help the victims.
I looked at her earnestly, hoping she would understand.
Learner examples
She asked earnestly for help.
Őszintén kért segítséget.
He spoke earnestly to his friend.
Komolyan beszélt a barátjával.
They worked earnestly on the project.
I listened earnestly to the story.
We talked earnestly about our plans.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'earnestly' with 'honestly'. While both can describe sincerity, 'earnestly' emphasizes seriousness and effort, while 'honestly' focuses on truthfulness.
Meaning
in a serious and sincere manner
Collocations
speak earnestly
|listen earnestly
|ask earnestly
|pray earnestly
|look earnestly
Synonyms
seriously (Focuses on the lack of joking or playfulness; may not always convey sincerity.)
|
sincerely (Emphasizes honesty and genuineness, often in feelings or statements.)
Antonyms
casually (Suggests doing something without much thought, effort, or seriousness.)
|
insincerely (Indicates a lack of genuine feeling or honesty.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that is very serious and shows you really mean what you say or do.
In a way that shows deep sincerity and seriousness of purpose or feeling.
Grammar
Dictionary form
earnestly
IPA
GB/ˈɚnɪstli/
US/ˈɚnɪstli/
Syllables & stress
earn - estly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (earn)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: earnestly
- Plural: earnestlies
Word family
Forms
earnestlies
noun
Core family
earnest
adjective B2
earnestness
noun
Expressions
ask earnestly
1/ˈæsk ˈɚnɪstli/
fixed phrase
to request sincerely and seriously
To ask for something in a very serious and sincere way.
Examples
- He asked earnestly for forgiveness.
- She asked earnestly if she could help.
pray earnestly
1/pɹˈeɪ ˈɚnɪstli/
fixed phrase
to pray with deep sincerity
To talk to God in a very serious and sincere way.
Examples
- They prayed earnestly for his recovery.
- She prayed earnestly before making the decision.