Definition
earnest: serious, sincere, genuine; determined
John is an earnest employee. He always works responsibly.
I appreciate your earnest response. I like people who tell the truth.
(to begin working) in earnest: (to start working) seriously, enthusiastically, genuinely
I'm ready to start the project in earnest. Just tell me what to do first and I'll do it immediately.
- "I have big plans for him. Among other things, I'd like Brian to shadow Philip Cheeter for a while before Philip's winter sales trips begin in earnest."
- "How about I fly down to LA, and we can begin our negotiations in earnest?"
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