Scrabble?! EARNEST

Definitions of EARNEST in various dictionaries:

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

adj - characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

adj - earnest

adj - not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

Marked by or showing deep sincerity or seriousness: an earnest gesture of goodwill.

Of an important or weighty nature; grave.

With a purposeful or sincere intent: settled down to study in earnest for the examination.

Serious; determined: “Both sides are deeply in earnest, with passions that approximate those of civil war” (Conor Cruise O’Brien).

Money paid in advance as part payment to bind a contract or bargain.

A token of something to come; a promise or an assurance.

noun - a down payment