in earnest adverb 2adjective 1forms 2 adverb2 •Having a sincere intent. (of a person)He was talking in earnest, even though his speech carried an ironic tone. •With considerable commitment, determination, or effect; significantly.It's snowing in earnest right now. adjective1 •Sincere; determined; truthful."I wasn't in earnest. I only brought it in joke." — 1841 formsmore in earnest · most in earnest
