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
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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
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“Well, I must say,” cried her sister, “he seems to be in earnest, at any rate, even if you are not.”
From The Brute by Kummer, Frederic Arnold
The certainty that the Curia would be in earnest about it gave them somewhat more energy than they had shown in the debate on the Little Catechism.
From Letters From Rome on the Council by D?llinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von
It remained to bear himself with what dignity he could, and turning to the prince, he exclaimed very coolly: "I apologise to your Highness, for it is not possible that you can be in earnest."
From The Great White Army by Pemberton, Max, Sir