earnestly

[ˈɜːnɪstli]
[ˈɝnɪstli]
German
Persian
Russian
Spanish
earnest

An earnestly means being very sincere and genuinely interested in something.

You might use the word "earnestly" when talking about someone's feelings or actions. For example, if your friend has been looking for a new job for months, you could say they've been applying to dozens of places earnestly. This means they're really trying hard and not just going through the motions. It's like they have their heart in it, and that makes them more dedicated.

It can also be used with requests or opinions. For instance, if someone is asking for your advice on a serious issue, you could say you'll listen earnestly to what they have to say. Or, if you're expressing your opinion on something important, you might write an editorial stating your views earnestly.

In general, the word "earnestly" emphasizes that whatever action or decision someone is taking, it's being done with real conviction and not just pretending.

How common is "earnestly"?

Word earnestly is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions

adverb

  • In an earnest manner; being very sincere; putting forth genuine effort.

for real