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
He must be in earnest with his body, not lazy with it.
From Sunday-School Success A Book of Practical Methods for Sunday-School Teachers and Officers by Wells, Amos R.
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)
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)
