earnest

/ˈərnɪst/

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

中文释义：定金；保证金

The buyer paid an earnest of $5,000 to secure the house.

买方支付了5000美元定金以确保购买该房屋。

An earnest is often required when signing a contract.

签订合同时通常需要支付保证金。