1ear·nest 
/ˈɚnəst/ adjective
/ˈɚnəst/ adjective [more earnest; most earnest] : serious and sincere : not lighthearted or playful
▪ an earnest plea for help ▪ an earnest young journalist
▪ an earnest plea for help ▪ an earnest young journalist
— ear·nest·ly adverb
▪ speaking earnestly
▪ speaking earnestly
— ear·nest·ness /ˈɚnəstnəs/ noun [noncount]
/ˈɚnəstnəs/ noun [noncount]
