earnestness

/ˈɜːnɪstnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɜːrnɪstnəs/ (ame, ipa)

earnestness — noun

1. the quality of speaking or acting with sincere feeling, serious purpose, and no

1.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of speaking or acting with sincere feeling, serious purpose, and no wish to joke

例句

Elena spoke with such earnestness that the class finally listened.

pattern: with such + noun + that-clause

The earnestness in Salma's apology made her brother soften at once.

collocation: earnestness in [someone's] apology

同義詞
  • sincerity

    emphasises honesty and genuine feeling; earnestness adds stronger serious purpose

  • seriousness

    can also mean how bad a situation is; earnestness stays with a person's sincere manner

  • conviction

    stresses firm belief and confidence more than emotional warmth

  • zeal

    suggests more energy and eagerness; earnestness is steadier and quieter

反義詞
  • insincerity

    pretending to mean something that you do not truly feel

  • frivolity

    a playful or shallow attitude that treats things too lightly

  • cynicism

    a doubtful or mocking attitude that lacks warm belief

文法句型

with earnestness

the earnestness of [someone's] appeal

earnestness about [something]

用法筆記

Usually uncountable. It often describes a person's voice, apology, appeal, effort, or manner when they clearly mean what they say. Distinguish it from seriousness when you only mean how bad a problem is; earnestness focuses on sincere intention and strong feeling.

常見錯誤

❌She spoke with earnest.
✅She spoke with earnestness.
💡After 'with', use the noun form, not the adjective.
❌I could hear his earnestnesses in every word.
✅I could hear his earnestness in every word.
💡The noun is normally uncountable and is not usually used in the plural.