be in earnest
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Washington, Reagan Administration officials stressed that the Soviet leader's reform efforts seem to be in earnest, and avoided dashing hopes for better U.S.-Soviet ties.
From Time Magazine Archive
Those imams who still counsel against jihadist terrorism, says Kepel, may be in earnest.
From Time Magazine Archive
You surely cannot be in earnest in trying to separate your daughter and myself.
From Cora and The Doctor or Revelations of A Physician's Wife by Leslie, Madeline
The girl was evidently distressed—it never occurred to her that she might not be in earnest.
From Mysterious Mr. Sabin by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)
The maiden thought the frog could not be in earnest, but she was too impatient to consider much about it, and at once made the required promise.
From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by Halliwell-Phillipps, J. O. (James Orchard)
