in earnest

1. Also, in dead earnest . Serious, determined, as in We thought he was joking, but he was in earnest , or I'm in dead earnest about selling the business . In the variant, from the late 1800s, dead means “completely” or “thoroughly” and is used purely for emphasis. [c. a.d. 1000]

2. With purposeful or sincere intent, as in We settled down to study in earnest . [c. a.d. 1000]

Example Sentences

The worst of the winds were expected across Northern California Wednesday, though forecasters said their primary concern remained the amount and duration of the rains that were also expected to begin in earnest Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

It was an environmental appeal he crafted not just in earnest — which he certainly was — but also because he thought it was one of the strongest rationales that the United States should remain predominantly white.

From Salon

Their efforts started in earnest in 2022, when a crop of political organizations funded by the tech industry backed the recall elections of former San Francisco Dist.

From Los Angeles Times

The role is so glorious that he almost breaks character when he begins quaking in earnest.

From Salon

Now that we've had a chance to catch our breath a little bit and get through the grieving process over last Tuesday's election, the inevitable recriminations have begun in earnest.

From Salon