What does ernestly mean?

1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker. 2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest Words; an earnest entreaty. 3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention. -noun 4. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest. ---- Origin:

bef. 1000; ME erneste, OE eornoste (adj.); ME ernest, OE eornost (n.); c. D, G ernest