Basic Details
Word: Earnestness
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The quality of being serious and sincere in intention or effort.
Synonyms: Sincerity, seriousness, fervour
Antonyms: Insincerity, frivolity, carelessness
Idioms and Phrases
- Put in earnest: To show commitment and seriousness in an endeavour. Example: "She put in earnest efforts to prepare for her exams."
- Earnest as a bee: Used to describe someone who is very diligent and hardworking. Example: "He worked earnest as a bee, ensuring every detail was perfect."
Usage Examples
Example 1: His earnestness in helping others made him well-liked in the community.
Example 2: She approached the project with great earnestness, believing it could make a difference.
Example 3: The teacher appreciated the students' earnestness during the discussion about important issues.
Fun Fact
The word "earnest" comes from the Old English word "earnest," meaning "serious" or "seriously." It has been used for centuries to describe people who are deeply committed and sincere in their actions.
Famous Quote
"With earnestness and sincerity, we can change the world." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "earnestness" mean?
a) A casual attitude
b) The quality of being serious
c) A type of game
d) An expression of laughter
Answer: b) The quality of being serious
2. Which of these is a synonym of "earnestness"?
a) Insincerity
b) Sincerity
c) Carelessness
d) Frivolity
Answer: b) Sincerity
3. What is an antonym of "earnestness"?
a) Diligence
b) Commitment
c) Frivolity
d) Passion
Answer: c) Frivolity
4. Which sentence uses "earnestness" correctly?
a) His earnestness in the project made it successful.
b) The fruit was very earnest.
c) She danced with earnestness at the competition.
d) They painted the house with earnestness.
Answer: a) His earnestness in the project made it successful.
5. Which idiom means to show commitment and seriousness?
a) Earnest as a bee
b) To put in earnest
c) As free as a bird
d) The early bird gets the worm
Answer: b) To put in earnest
