No. 4,720 in Dutch
ernst
Seriousness.
In a sentence
De ernst van de situatie werd al snel duidelijk.
The seriousness of the situation became apparent quickly.
Here, 'ernst' was used to signify the gravity or seriousness of the situation.
Zij sprak met zoveel ernst dat iedereen luisterde.
She spoke with such seriousness that everyone listened.
In this context, 'ernst' refers to the solemnity and conviction in her speech.
Er is geen reden tot ernst, laten we met plezier doorgaan.
There is no reason for seriousness; let us continue with joy.
Here, 'ernst' is used to contrast a lack of seriousness or gravity.
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