Meaning of earnest

(adj) characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions; "both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate"; "an entirely sincere and cruel tyrant"; "a film with a solemn social message"

sincerely earnest; "one's dearest wish"; "devout wishes for their success"; "heartfelt condolences"

not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

(noun) something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract