earnest
/ˈɜrnɪst/
adjective
- Showing sincere and serious intention or effort.
- The volunteers worked with earnest dedication to clean up the park.
- His earnest apology convinced everyone that he truly regretted his mistake.
- She made an earnest attempt to learn the piano, practicing every day.
noun
- A token or pledge of something to come; a down payment or deposit.
- They paid $1,000 as an earnest on the house to hold it until the loan was approved.
- He gave her a ring as an earnest of his promise to return.
- The handshake was an earnest of their agreement to work together.