in earnest
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. In a serious, sincere, or determined manner: Used to indicate that an action is being performed with genuine commitment, focus, or intent, rather than in a casual, joking, or preliminary way.
Usage
The phrase "in earnest" functions as an adverb to modify a verb. It describes the manner in which an action is carried out. It often marks the beginning of a serious, sustained effort after a period of preparation or less serious activity.
Examples
- The negotiations began in earnest this morning.
- After the initial tests were successful, the company started production in earnest.
- She began training in earnest for the marathon.
- The rain started in earnest just as we left the house.
Advanced Usage
- To begin in earnest: A common collocation signaling the serious start of a process or activity.
- The campaign for the election will begin in earnest next month.
- Used to distinguish a definitive action from a tentative or preliminary one.
- He dabbled in painting for years before pursuing it in earnest.
Variants and Related Words
- Earnest (Adjective): Characterized by or showing sincere and intense conviction.
- He made an earnest promise to help.
- Earnestly (Adverb): In a sincere and serious manner. (Note: This is a single-word adverb with a very similar meaning to the phrase "in earnest").
- She earnestly pleaded for understanding.
Synonyms
- Seriously
- Sincerely
- Determinedly
- Zealously
- In full swing
Antonyms
- Casually
- Half-heartedly
- In jest
- Lightly
- Preliminarily
Idioms and Phrases
- In deadly/dead earnest: With extreme seriousness and sincerity.
- I'm telling you this in dead earnest; the situation is critical.
Adverb
- in a serious manner
- talking earnestly with his son
- she started studying snakes in earnest
- a play dealing seriously with the question of divorce