Words / C1

URN-ist/ˈɜːnɪst/

Earnest means serious and sincere, showing you mean it: an earnest request, in earnest. Sincere is a close twin; solemn is heavier; flippant sits opposite. An earnest poster is still paper; a night spare is a name.

Meaning

Serious, sincere, and showing that you mean what you say.

Examples

• “An earnest wellbeing poster does not staff the night shift.”
• “Sincere is the close twin. Serious is everyday. Heartfelt is warmer. Comms can be sincere. Cover is a rota. Print the poster after the name exists.”

Good to know

Serious and sincere. Close: sincere. Contrast: flippant. A poster is not a spare.

Near in meaning

sincere

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