How to pronounce earnest
Say it like UR-nist. Earnest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
- UR
- nist
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earnest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of earnest
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-nist.
What does earnest mean?
- Gravity; serious purpose; earnestness.
- Seriousness; reality; actuality (as opposed to joking or pretence)
- To be serious with; use in earnest.
- Serious, sincere, ingenuous.
- Focused in the pursuit of an objective; honestly eager to obtain or do.“earnest prayers”
- Intent; focused; showing a lot of concentration.“earnest attention”
Where does earnest come from?
The adjective is from Middle English eornest, from Old English eornoste (“earnest, zealous, serious”), from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with earnest
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of earnest.
Words that sound like earnest
- ernest
Questions about saying earnest
How do you pronounce earnest?
Say UR-nist. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝnɪst/. In British English it is /ˈɜːnɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earnest?
Earnest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · nist.
Is earnest pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɜːnɪst/ (UR-nist).
What words sound the same as earnest?
Earnest sounds the same as ernest in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.