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
Everybody whom I shall have must be in earnest.
From The Adventures of a Widow A Novel by Fawcett, Edgar
“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 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)
