The word "earnest" means being sincere, serious, or committed about something. It shows that someone is genuine and is putting their full effort into what they are doing. Full definition
However, they said it challenges the focus of global climate negotiations since they began in earnest in about 1990. (climatecentral.org)
Show a seller how serious you are by offering more cash than normal in earnest money — a deposit made to the seller to show a buyer's good faith in a transaction. (rismedia.com)
Your purchase agreement has been written to cover potential recovery of earnest money in escrow. (markersf.com)