meaning of earnest
1. Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
2. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
3. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
4. Serious; important.
5. To use in earnest.
6. Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
7. Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.
8. something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
Related Words
earnest | earnest money | earnestful | earnestly | earnestness |