Earnest n. : Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.

Earnest a. : 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.

Earnest a. : Intent; fixed closely; as, earnest attention.

Earnest a. : Serious; important.

Earnest v. t. : To use in earnest.

Earnest n. : Something given, or a part paid beforehand, as a pledge; pledge; handsel; a token of what is to come.

Earnest n. : Something of value given by the buyer to the seller, by way of token or pledge, to bind the bargain and prove the sale.

Example:
Does putting more Earnest money during the offer help us as a buyer ?

Taxonomy
earnest, Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Dictionary, webster, Word Games, Webster Online Dictionary with audio pronunciations, Middle English, Old English, glossary, english, language, ESL, Search, nest, r-n, Etymology, ernest, Old High German.

Defination from the web:
earnest from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary with audio pronunciations, thesaurus, Word of the Day, and word games. ... Etymology: Middle English ernest, from Old English eornost; akin to Old High German ernust earnest. Date: before 12th century ...