Earnests

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state of sincerity and seriousness in intention; a significant or earnest expression reflecting deep commitment; an essential quality of being genuine and heartfelt in one's actions or beliefs
2. The quality of being serious and determined in pursuit of goals; a genuine display of intentions or emotions in interactions; representing a profound level of dedication and truthfulness in approaches
3. The condition of being earnest, marked by sincere engagement and honesty; a strong commitment to one's beliefs or objectives; an unwavering expression of true sentiment and authenticity

Etymology: The plural "earnests" is simply the noun "earnest" with an -s added, so the interesting history belongs to the singular. The noun meant "earnestness, zeal, seriousness" in Old English, and it also carried a sense of "battle" or "fight", a meaning now lost. Its roots reach back to a Proto-Germanic word tied to strength and solidity, and the same stem gave German "Ernst" and Dutch "ernst", which still mean seriousness today. The English adjective "earnest" came from the noun, and the adjective is the form most people use now. The "-est" ending is the same suffix that appears in other Middle English forms, and its relationship to the Old English noun is clear, but its exact link to the Latin-style word "erres" remains uncertain. Because "earnests" is a plural, it is used mainly in the phrase "in earnests", meaning in real earnest, as opposed to joking. This usage is the one that carries the word's old sense of solemn, serious purpose.

Synonyms: seriousness, sincerity