earnestness
earnestness
Noun
This term describes a profound sense of sincerity and intensity, often associated with a moral or intellectual commitment. It carries a positive connotation of integrity and diligence, though in certain social contexts, it can lean toward a perceived lack of irony or a certain stiffness in demeanor.
As an abstract quality, this noun is uncountable. It cannot be pluralized or counted as individual units; instead, it is measured in degrees of intensity. To quantify it, one must use partitive constructions such as a level of earnestness or a streak of earnestness.
Meanings
Examples
His earnestness in the trial was convincing.
Detective