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ear•nest

Pronunciation: (ûr'nist), [key]
—adj.
1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker.
2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty.
3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention.

—n.
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest.

ear•nest

Pronunciation: (ûr'nist), [key]
—n.
1. a portion of something, given or done in advance as a pledge of the remainder.
2. Law.See earnest money.
3. anything that gives pledge, promise, or indication of what is to follow.

earned run average

earnest money