Ear″nest, a. 1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; — used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
An earnest advocate to plead for him. Shak.
2. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
3. Serious; important.
They whom earnest lets do often hinder. Hooker.
Syn. — Eager; warm; zealous; ardent; animated; importunate; fervent; sincere; serious; hearty; urgent. See Eager.