What's the difference between 'earnest' and 'serious'?

Is 'earnest' formal or informal?

How can I use 'earnest' in a sentence?

Is 'earnest' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

earnest

/ˈɜːnɪst/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Showing sincere and serious intention; not joking or playful.

She made an earnest attempt to finish on time.
His earnest questions showed real interest.

Adinary Nuance

Compare with sincere, genuine, and heartfelt. Use earnest for a determined, purposeful tone in serious matters; choose sincere for honest feelings and heartfelt for deep emotion. In writing, earnest often describes effort or questions.

In other languages

Spanish: Sincero y decidido
Japanese: 真剣な、固い
Korean: 각성하고 진지한
Vietnamese: Thành thật và quyết tâm
Chinese: 认真的、诚挚的

Etymology

Common phrases

in earnestearnest aboutearnest efforttake something earnest

Synonyms

sincere genuine heartfelt committed serious

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between 'earnest' and 'serious'?: Is 'earnest' formal or informal?
How can I use 'earnest' in a sentence?: Is 'earnest' common in academic writing?