earnestness
/'ə:nistnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality of being serious and sincere in one's intentions, beliefs, or efforts: Earnestness refers to a deep, heartfelt sincerity and a committed, sober attitude towards a matter.
- A serious and intent mental state: It denotes a state of being characterized by deep conviction and a lack of frivolity or pretense.
Usage
- Earnestness is an uncountable noun used to describe a person's character, demeanor, or the quality of an action or feeling. It is often used in contexts involving commitment, sincerity, and deep feeling.
- It is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts but can appear in general writing and speech.
Examples
- Noun:
- She spoke with great earnestness about the need for environmental protection.
- His earnestness in learning the language impressed his teacher.
- I was moved by the earnestness of her apology.
Advanced Usage
- "In all earnestness": Used as a phrase to emphasize that one is being completely serious and sincere.
- I say this in all earnestness: you must reconsider your decision.
- "With earnestness": Describes the manner in which an action is performed.
- He pleaded his case with earnestness.
Variants and Related Words
- Earnest (adj): Serious and sincere in intention or effort.
- He is an earnest student.
- Earnestly (adv): In a serious and sincere manner.
- She earnestly hopes to succeed.
Synonyms
- Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense or deceit.
- Seriousness: The quality or state of being solemn, thoughtful, or earnest.
- Solemnity: The state or quality of being serious and dignified.
- Gravity: Extreme importance or seriousness.
Antonyms
- Frivolity: Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness.
- Insincerity: The quality of not expressing genuine feelings.
- Levity: Treatment of a serious matter with humor or lack of due respect.
Idioms and Phrases
- Dead earnest: Completely serious and sincere.
- He was dead earnest when he made that promise.
- In earnest: With a serious and sincere intent; seriously beginning.
- The peace talks have begun in earnest.
Noun
- the trait of being serious
- a lack of solemnity is not necessarily a lack of seriousness- Robert Rice
- an earnest and sincere feeling