Antonyms for earnestnessearnest·ness

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestness

   The old meaning of enthusiasm implies a pseudo-inspiration, an almost frantic extravagance in behalf of something supposed to be an expression of the divine will. This sense remains as the controlling one in the kindred noun enthusiast. Enthusiasm has now chiefly the meaning of an earnest and commendable devotion, an intense and eager interest. Against the hindrances of the world, nothing great and good can be carried without a certain fervor, intensity, and vehemence; these joined with faith, courage, and hopefulness make enthusiasm. Zeal is burning earnestness, always tending to vigorous action with all the devotion of enthusiasm, tho often without its hopefulness. Compare EAGER.

   Antonyms:
   calculation, calmness, caution, coldness, deadness, dulness, indifference, lukewarmness, policy, prudence, timidity, wariness

   Synonyms:
   ardor, devotion, eagerness, ecstasy, enthusiasm, excitement, extravagance, fanaticism, fervency, fervor, frenzy, inspiration, intensity, passion, rapture, transport, vehemence, warmth, zeal

Matched Categories

1. • Trait

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestness, seriousness, sinceritynoun

   an earnest and sincere feeling

   Synonyms:
   unassumingness, seriousness, distressfulness, sincerity, serious-mindedness

2. seriousness, earnestness, serious-mindedness, sinceritynoun

   the trait of being serious

   "a lack of solemnity is not necessarily a lack of seriousness"- Robert Rice

   Synonyms:
   unassumingness, seriousness, distressfulness, sincerity, serious-mindedness

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. earnestnessnoun

   Synonyms:
   ardor, sincerity, fervency, seriousness, intentness, unction

How to use earnestness in a sentence?

1. Louisa May Alcott:

   Young men often laugh at the sensible girls whom they secretly respect, and affect to admire the silly ones whom they secretly despise, because earnestness, intelligence, and womanly dignity are not the fashion.

2. Confucius:

   To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

3. Confucius:

   To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue...They are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

4. The Dhammapada:

   By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.

5. Confucius, The Confucian Analects:

   To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue...[They are] gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

How to pronounce earnestness?

How to say earnestness in sign language?

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