crossword clue earnest – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "earnest" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "crossword clue earnest" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Characterized by strength or intensity of feeling or desire. Often implies an enthusiastic and earnest desire for something.
5 Letters
GRAVE: Requiring serious thought or concern; momentous. Can also mean serious or solemn in manner, reflecting the gravity of earnestness.
6 Letters
SOLEMN: Formal and dignified; not cheerful or smiling. Describes a serious and earnest demeanor.
7 Letters
SINCERE: Truly felt or expressed; not feigned or pretended; heartfelt. Often used interchangeably with earnest in the context of feelings or intentions.
SERIOUS: Solemn or thoughtful in character or manner; not jovial or frivolous. This aligns with the 'grave' or 'solemn' aspects of earnest.
More About "crossword clue earnest"
The word "earnest" is a rich and versatile term, often appearing in crossword puzzles to test a solver's vocabulary depth regarding sincerity, seriousness, and heartfelt intention. When you see "earnest" as a clue, consider its various shades of meaning: from a genuine and deep feeling (like 'sincere') to a grave and serious disposition (like 'solemn' or 'serious'), or even a strong, intense desire (like 'keen').
Crossword constructors love "earnest" because it allows for a wide range of synonyms across different letter counts, making it a flexible clue. Understanding the core meaning of being genuinely committed or sincerely felt is key to unlocking the correct answer. Always pay attention to the surrounding letters you've already filled in, as they will narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: While "earnest" generally means serious or sincere, consider the puzzle's theme or other clues. Sometimes a pun or a specific domain (e.g., legal, emotional) might provide a subtle hint for a less common synonym.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match potential answers to the given number of boxes. This is your most immediate filter for words like SINCERE (7 letters) versus GRAVE (5 letters).
- Think of Opposites: If "earnest" means sincere, consider what its opposite might be (e.g., frivolous, insincere). Sometimes, thinking about antonyms can trigger the right synonym for the clue.
- Look for Common Roots/Prefixes: While not always applicable to "earnest," for other clues, recognizing common Latin or Greek roots can help decipher words you might not immediately know.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'earnest' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'earnest' typically refers to sincerity, seriousness, or a strong, heartfelt intention. Common synonyms like SINCERE, SERIOUS, GRAVE, KEEN, and SOLEMN are frequent answers depending on the letter count.
How can I distinguish between 'earnest' synonyms like 'sincere' and 'serious'?
Consider the nuance of the clue. If the clue emphasizes heartfelt feelings, SINCERE is more likely. If it's about a lack of triviality or a weighty matter, SERIOUS or GRAVE might fit better. Always check the letter count and intersecting letters.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'earnest' in crosswords?
Sometimes 'earnest' might be confused with 'eager' or 'ardent'. While related, 'eager' often implies impatience, and 'ardent' suggests passionate intensity, whereas 'earnest' centers more on sincerity and seriousness of purpose. Always evaluate the full clue and any additional context provided.