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
So says Lilly; but it is certain that if an astrologer be in earnest, he must deceive himself, if he do not deceive others.
From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
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)
Good!" exclaimed the drost: "there is, then, some meaning in it, and I now begin to be in earnest; for, hitherto, the whole affair has appeared to me somewhat like a joke.
From The Childhood of King Erik Menved An Historical Romance by Ingemann, Bernhard Severin
