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
Surely—surely you can't be in earnest, sir—" "Oh yes, I am.
From The Hills of Refuge A Novel by Harben, Will N. (Will Nathaniel)
"You've got to be in earnest, you know," Jane said.
From Sunshine Jane by Warner, Anne
Aben Habuz smiled at first at what he regarded as a humorous sally on the part of the sage; but when he discovered him to be in earnest he waxed wroth.
From Legends & Romances of Spain by Spence, Lewis
