earnestness
Earning earnestness is all about being genuine and sincere. It's when someone shows that they truly care and mean what they say.
When people talk about earnestness, they usually mean someone who is serious and not just pretending to be interested or friendly. Imagine you're on a first date with someone, and they ask you deep questions about your goals in life. If they listen attentively and seem genuinely interested in getting to know you better, that's a sign of earnestness. It's like they're saying, "I'm not just here for the free food or the company; I really want to connect with you."
In some cases, earnestness can also mean being quite straightforward and direct, without beating around the bush or making excuses. For example, if someone is negotiating a business deal, they might be seen as showing earnestness by being clear about their needs and expectations. They're not playing games or trying to manipulate others; they just want to get things done.
How common is "earnestness"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
The quality of being earnest; sincerity; seriousness.
Example: 22 March 2012, Scott Tobias, AV Club The Hunger Gameshttp://www.avclub.com/articles/the-hunger-games,71293/ She’s joined, on the boys’ side, by Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), a baker’s son whose earnestness masks a gift for strategy that Katniss lacks.
Real examples of "earnestness" in context
