earnest

nouns

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

earnest

is a type of (narrower)

property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation

"bankers are reluctant to lend without good security"

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"

earnest, sincere, solemn

is derived from

earnest

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

dear, devout, earnest, heartfelt

is derived from

not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal

businesslike, earnest

is derived from