earnest etymology

Etymology

The word "earnest" originated from the Middle English word "ernest," which derived from the Old English "eornest." The Old English term meant "zealous," "serious," or "solemn." The word's root lies in the Proto-Germanic *ernaz, which is related to the Proto-Indo-European *ern-, meaning "to attain" or "to move."

Meaning

Earnest is an adjective that describes something that is sincere, serious, or heartfelt. It conveys a sense of genuineness, sincerity, and intentionality. Earnest individuals are often characterized by their sincerity, trustworthiness, and determination.

Origin

The concept of earnest comes from the legal tradition, where an earnest payment is a sum of money or a pledge given to secure a contract or agreement. This payment signifies the intention of the parties to fulfill their obligations. Over time, the term "earnest" became associated with other aspects of human behavior, such as sincerity, resolve, and determination.

earnest relate terms

• Ernest

  Etymology The name Ernest derives from the Germanic words ernust or ernest meaning

• earnest

  Etymology The word earnest originated from the Middle English word ernest which deri

• earnestly

  Etymology Middle English ernest Old English earnest Proto Germanic arnistaz Proto In

• earnest

  Etymology The word earnest originated from the Middle English word ernest which deri

• sincere

  Etymology The word sincere originates from the Latin word sincerus which means pur

• solemn

  Etymology The word solemn comes from the Latin word solemnis which originally meant

• dear

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It seeks to trace th

• deprecation

  Etymology The word deprecation is derived from the Latin word deprecatio which mean

• serious

  Etymology Serious comes from the Latin word serius meaning grave or earnest The

• affectionate

  Etymology Latin affectus meaning a disposition affection Greek affection mea

• persevere

  Etymology French persévérer Latin perseverare Prefix per through Verb severa

• security

  Etymology The word security is derived from the Latin word securus meaning free fro

• devout

  Etymology Devout comes from the Old French word devot which in turn derives from th

• surety

  Etymology The word surety is derived from the Old French word seureté which in turn