earnest

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ear|nest /'ɜːrnɪst/
1 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If something is done or happens in earnest, it happens to a much greater extent and more seriously than before.
Campaigning will begin in earnest tomorrow...
= seriously
2 [ADJ]
Earnest people are very serious and sincere in what they say or do, because they think that their actions and beliefs are important.
Ella was a pious, earnest woman...
● earnestness [N-UNCOUNT]
He was admired by many for his earnestness.
3 [PHRASE] usu v PHR, v-link PHR
If you are in earnest, you are sincere in what you are doing and saying.
No one could tell whether he was in earnest or in jest.

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