earnestly

adverb

ear·​nest·​ly ˈər-nəst-lē How to pronounce earnestly (audio)
: in an earnest and serious manner : not lightly, casually, or flippantly
speaking earnestly
asking earnestly for forgiveness
providing the relief that they had earnestly hoped for
She spoke so earnestly, with such emotion in her voice, that Omakayas was always to remember that moment …Louise Erdrich
They sing contemporary R&B earnestly, like they borrowed it and want to return it in better condition than when they got it.Danyel Smith

Examples of earnestly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Remmick gazes at them earnestly and speaks from his heart, or what passes for it. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Apr. 2025 The university points to resources like the Basic Needs Hub or emergency housing as evidence of action, but these efforts are underfunded and understaffed, leaving those who earnestly care about students having to fall far short of meeting the demand. Ellen Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 To wrap it all up with a tidy bow, the service is impeccable, with attentive staff who are earnestly dedicated to crafting a memorable experience. Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 There are some who earnestly enjoy it, but many more who are trying to get as drunk as possible and believe (accurately) that the Long Island Iced Tea is the quickest way to get there. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earnestly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earnestly was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earnestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earnestly. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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