earnestly
gb/ˈɚnɪstli/ us/ˈɚnɪstli/
B1
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
in a serious and sincere manner
In a way that is very serious and shows you really mean what you say or do.
Usage pattern:
to speak/listen/ask [something] earnestly
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'earnestly' with 'honestly'. While both can describe sincerity, 'earnestly' emphasizes seriousness and effort, while 'honestly' focuses on truthfulness.
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.)
Collocations
speak earnestly
|listen earnestly
|ask earnestly
|pray earnestly
|look earnestly
Themes
emotions
|communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spoke earnestly about the need for change.
- He earnestly requested a chance to explain.
- 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.
- He spoke earnestly to his friend.
- They worked earnestly on the project.
- I listened earnestly to the story.
- We talked earnestly about our plans.
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.