Thoughtful article about Hemingway? On the contrary (7)
I believe the answer is:
earnest
'the contrary' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'thoughtful article about hemingway?' is the wordplay.
'thoughtful article' becomes 'a' (the indefinite article in English. I am not sure about the 'thoughtful' bit.).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'hemingway?' becomes 'ernest' (synonyms).
'a' going into 'ernest' is 'EARNEST'.
'on' is the link.
(Other definitions for earnest that I've seen before include "Oscar Wilde play 'The Importance of Being . . . . . . .'" , "showing seriousness" , "Showing sincere and intense conviction" , "Sincere, solemn" , "Serious - down payment" .)