earnestly

[[t]ɜ͟ː(r)nɪstli[/t]]

1) ADV-GRADED: ADV with v If you say something earnestly, you say it very seriously, often because you believe that it is important or you are trying to persuade someone else to believe it.

`Did you?' she asked earnestly...

In 1990, we were all earnestly assured that property values could only go up.

2) ADV-GRADED: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj If you do something earnestly, you do it in a thorough and serious way, intending to succeed.

She always listened earnestly as if this might help her to understand.

3) ADV-GRADED: ADV before v If you earnestly hope or wish for something, you hope or wish strongly and sincerely for it.

I earnestly hope what I learned will serve me well in my new job.