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.

Those imams who still counsel against jihadist terrorism, says Kepel, may be in earnest.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Men worth their salt make their opportunities, but if they don't even take them when they are ready-made to their hand, they cannot be in earnest.

From Diana Tempest, Volume III (of 3) by Cholmondeley, Mary

I wish from my soul, and hope my Julia will soon join my wish, that the Baron may be in earnest in his attention to Miss Finch.

From The Sylph, Volume I and II by Cavendish, Georgiana

"Can you be in earnest, aunt Betsy?" said Agnes, looking very pale.

From The Widow Barnaby Vol. III (of 3) by Trollope, Frances Eleanor