Earnest

1. Serious; important.
2. To use in earnest.
3. Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
4. Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.
5. Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.
6. Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.
7. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.