Earnest meaning in English

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Definition

earnest: serious, sincere, genuine; determined adjective
John is an earnest employee. He always works responsibly.
I appreciate your earnest response. I like people who tell the truth.
(to begin working) in earnest: (to start working) seriously, enthusiastically, genuinely idiom
I'm ready to start the project in earnest. Just tell me what to do first and I'll do it immediately.

Examples

  • "I have big plans for him. Among other things, I'd like Brian to shadow Philip Cheeter for a while before Philip's winter sales trips begin in earnest."
  • "How about I fly down to LA, and we can begin our negotiations in earnest?"
Exercise 1
"We can begin our negotiations in earnest"

In this context, what does "in earnest" mean?
"We can begin our negotiations in earnest"

In this context, what does "in earnest" mean?
This is correct. If you do something "in earnest", you do it "seriously" with purpose. Example: Edward started studying IN EARNEST when he realized his exam was just one week away. In the conversation, Susie talks about flying down to LA so that she and Steve can "begin negotiations in earnest".
This is incorrect. The term "objectively" is not a synonym of "in earnest". If you do something "objectively", you do something by looking at facts rather than being influenced by your personal feelings or prejudices. Example: Looking at my wife OBJECTIVELY, I have to admit she is a very unpleasant person.
This is incorrect. To do something "in earnest" does not mean to do it "soon" or in near future.
This is incorrect. The term "privately" is not a synonym of "in earnest". If you do something "privately", you do it "in private" or "discretely".

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