earnestness
(ˈɜːnɪstnɪs)
[f. earnest a. + -ness.]
The state or quality of being earnest.
| 1561 T. Norton Calvin's Inst. iv. xx. 162 They must watch with all care, earnestnesse, and diligence. 1670 Walton Lives iii. 158 Never expressing an earnestness..but an humble Gravity sutable to the Aged. 1779 Johnson Lett. (1788) II. ccvii. 55 Keep your mind quiet, do not think with earnestness even of your health. 1833 Lamb Elia (1860) 361 Sawing, every one with the might and earnestness of a Demiurgus. 1849 Robertson Serm. Ser. i. ii. (1866) 32 Earnestness; that is, sincerity of purpose. 1848 W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc's Hist. Ten Y. II. 581 The discussion began with warmth on one side, and grave earnestness on the other. |