adjective or noun?

[RonBee]

We are really talking about two different words. The word earnest (first entry) is Germanic in origin. The word earnest (second entry) is from French via Latin and Greek. When a word has separate entries in a dictionary expect it to have separate and distinct meanings.

:)

[Casiopea]

earnest. adj. serious; determined: an ~ worker ( pupil); an ~ Christian, one who conscientiously practise beliefs. n. in earnest, in a determined, not in a joking manner; seriousl(ly):If you work in ~, you will succeed. I'm perfectly in ~ , am not joking. It is raining in real ~, heavily, and likely to continue. ~ly adv. in an ~ manner: We ~ly hope that... ~ness.

No. 1: In the phrase 'in earnest' the word 'earnest' is a noun. But the phrase can be adj. as well as adv. Am I right?

No.2: What's the difference between 'earnest' when it used as a noun and the noun form 'earnestness' ?

With regards to the dictionary entry above, in earnest is listed as a noun (n.) and yet within the examples provided, it functions as an adjective. What's that about?

Within the phrase prepositional phrase 'in earnest', 'earnest', a noun, means, solemn promise or pledge. To do something in earnest (adv.)means, to do something in which a solemn promise is madeto oneself and/or others.

As a noun, earnest has the following dictionary entry (Encarta):

earnest. n. a small advanced payment that confirms a contract; a sign, foretaste, pledge of something to come. (French erres, Latin arres, Greek arraboun 'pledges')

The difference between 'earnest' and 'earnestness' is this, the former is a pledge and the latter is a characteristic:

earnestness. n. an earnest and sincere feeling. The trait of being serious.

EX: Her earnestness is what makes her a great employee. (noun)
EX: The earnest was 35%. (noun)

All the best,

[jiang]

:D
Dear Casiopea,

Thank you so much for your explanation. Now I understand it perfectly.

I am sorry to have kept bothering you with my questions when I was just confused.So thank you also for your patience.

Best wishes,

Jiang

earnest. adj. serious; determined: an ~ worker ( pupil); an ~ Christian, one who conscientiously practise beliefs. n. in earnest, in a determined, not in a joking manner; seriousl(ly):If you work in ~, you will succeed. I'm perfectly in ~ , am not joking. It is raining in real ~, heavily, and likely to continue. ~ly adv. in an ~ manner: We ~ly hope that... ~ness.

No. 1: In the phrase 'in earnest' the word 'earnest' is a noun. But the phrase can be adj. as well as adv. Am I right?

No.2: What's the difference between 'earnest' when it used as a noun and the noun form 'earnestness' ?

With regards to the dictionary entry above, in earnest is listed as a noun (n.) and yet within the examples provided, it functions as an adjective. What's that about?

Within the phrase prepositional phrase 'in earnest', 'earnest', a noun, means, solemn promise or pledge. To do something in earnest (adv.)means, to do something in which a solemn promise is madeto oneself and/or others.

As a noun, earnest has the following dictionary entry (Encarta):

earnest. n. a small advanced payment that confirms a contract; a sign, foretaste, pledge of something to come. (French erres, Latin arres, Greek arraboun 'pledges')

The difference between 'earnest' and 'earnestness' is this, the former is a pledge and the latter is a characteristic:

earnestness. n. an earnest and sincere feeling. The trait of being serious.

EX: Her earnestness is what makes her a great employee. (noun)
EX: The earnest was 35%. (noun)

All the best,

:D

[Casiopea]

Anytime :)
It had me confused as well. :D