English

earnest

ˈɝnɪst
Meaning: to secure with a deposit; to make serious
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base earnest
3rd person singular present earnests
Present participle earnesting
Past earnested
Will future will earnest
Going-to future going to earnest
Imperative negative don't earnest / do not earnest

Example

He earnested the contract with a payment.
He earnested the contract with a payment.

Usage Notes

A rare or archaic verb meaning to give an 'earnest' (a down payment or token) to bind a bargain. Can also mean to become serious about something.

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