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• n  something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract
• s  characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
  both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate
• s  earnest
• s  not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

• Their lip-synching is completely earnest.
• When electrification began in earnest in the first years of the century, demand for shellac soon outstripped supply.
• Substance: Intelligent, knowledgeable, and an earnest explainer without bothering to fight ardently for his case.

• sincere
• solemn
• dear
• devout
• heartfelt
• businesslike

News & Articles

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• Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic ...
  James S. Brady Press Briefing Room   12:38 P.M. EDT MR. EARNEST:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Happy Friday.  It’s nice to see you all.  We are going to deviate from our regularly scheduled briefing program today to provide you a preview of the President’s visit to Europe next week, both the G8 Summit and then for a visit to Germany. In order to efficiently use your time today, what I am going to ...
  June 18, 2013 - The White House
• Lakewood Playhouse produces charming version of Wilde's 'Importance of Being Earnest'
  Oscar Wilde’s comic skewering of the British aristocracy, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has not lost a whit of its charm in 118 years. Wilde’s wit and sarcasm is ageless, and Lakewood Playhouse’s staging of this classic is truly delightful. Marilyn Bennett’s direction is excellent, and the entire cast is loveable.
  June 17, 2013 - Tacoma News Tribune
• Man accused of shooting girlfriend, her three daughters returned to Nashville
  Earnest Moore (aka Earnest Woodley) surrendered to Memphis police early Sunday morning More
  June 17, 2013 - Nashville City Paper

Quotes

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• John McCain in Daily Aztec
  I urge all Americans who supported me,McCain said, "to join me in not just congratulating him, but to offer our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises to bridge our...
• David Stern in New York Daily News
  There is little comfort to be gained by the mandatory prison sentence, especially as it affects Mr. Donaghy's children and their mother, but hopefully the healing process can begin in earnest for all,Stern said.
• Jon Gruden in USA Today
  We're confident in Donald Penn. ...... Michael Pittman helped us win a couple division championships here and Earnest Graham is clearly a capable runner and receiver,Gruden said. "We'll move on and do the best we can in the absence of...