earnestness

ear-nest-ness · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being earnest; sincere and intense conviction.

  2. 2.

    Serious intent or purpose.

Related words

Antonyms: flippancy, frivolity, insincerity
See also: earnest, earnestly, sincerity
Synonyms: seriousness, sincerity, solemnity

Etymology

From Middle English, combining earnest (from Old English eornost meaning "seriousness, vigor") with the noun-forming suffix -ness.