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

Don't you believe me to be in earnest, mother?

From The Parent's Assistant Stories for Children by Edgeworth, Maria

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

Then as they heard the footsteps of the soldier they squatted before the fire, pretending to be in earnest conversation.

From The War Tiger Or, Adventures and Wonderful Fortunes of the Young Sea Chief and His Lad Chow: A Tale of the Conquest of China by Dalton, William