Dictionary

Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.

Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to joking or pretence)

To be serious with; use in earnest.

(said of an action or an utterance) Serious or honest

(with a positive sense) Focused in the pursuit of an objective; eager to obtain or do.

Example: earnest prayers

Intent; focused; showing a lot of concentration.

Example: earnest attention.

(said of a person or a person's character) Possessing or characterised by seriousness.

Example: an earnest disposition

A sum of money paid in advance as a deposit; hence, a pledge, a guarantee, an indication of something to come.

To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.

Example: You can have the s'mores: you earned them, clearing the walkway of snow so well.

To receive payment for work.

Example: He earns seven million dollars a year as CEO.  My bank account is only earning one percent interest.

To receive payment for work.

Example: Now that you are earning, you can start paying me rent.

To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.

Example: My CD earns me six percent!

To curdle, as milk.

To long; to yearn.

To grieve.