diligent
Americanadjective
-
constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything.
a diligent student.
- Synonyms:
- sedulous, assiduous, industrious
-
done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking.
a diligent search of the files.
- Synonyms:
- unremitting, tireless, indefatigable
adjective
-
careful and persevering in carrying out tasks or duties
-
carried out with care and perseverance
diligent work
Related Words
See busy.
Other Word Forms
- diligently adverb
- diligentness noun
- nondiligent adjective
- overdiligent adjective
- overdiligentness noun
- prediligent adjective
- undiligent adjective
Etymology
Origin of diligent
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin dīligent- (stem of dīligēns ), present participle of dīligere “to choose, like,” equivalent to dī- di- 2 + -ligere (combining form of legere “to choose, read”); -ent
Compare meaning
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A diligent researcher and an engaging writer, she makes effective use of court testimony, newspaper accounts and, where possible, her own interviews.
You may feel proud of your decades of diligent saving for retirement.
From MarketWatch
If you’re as diligent with your search for an adviser as you are with your attentiveness to this strategy, you’re going to be just fine.
From MarketWatch
Maldonado said Cuellar was diligent about reaching out to solicit input before a vote on any bill involving transportation or logistics.
If you’re okay with that, and you’re diligent about how you structure your investment account so that the money is working for you and your financial goals, why not switch it up a bit?
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
