earnest
UK[ˈɜː.nɪst]US[ˈɝː.nɪst]
adj
resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction
adj
serious in intention, purpose, or effort
n
a thing intended or regarded as a sign or promise of what is to come
Etymology
the word 'earnest' has a direct lineage from the old english 'eornost', signifying seriousness or zeal. it is related to the old high german 'ernust', meaning seriousness or fight, and the old norse 'ern', meaning vigorous or capable. the core semantic notion of serious intent has remained remarkably stable from its germanic roots into modern english, where it describes both a sincere, intense quality and, in its nominal form, a pledge or token of something to come.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old english word 'eornost', meaning seriousness or zealous intent, which is of germanic origin.
Examples
she was an earnest student who always completed her work on time.
he made an earnest promise to change his ways.
the handshake was an earnest of their future agreement.