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.
“This will hit unevenly,” Lau added, noting that big players have been diligent with recording Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes for their imports.
From MarketWatch
“I would hate to criticize him for not being more diligent, but it is frustrating,” said Skyhawk in a 1995 interview about the initiative.
From Los Angeles Times
“One thing that I admire most about Britt and her preparation for her sport is how diligent she is,” Knight said.
From Los Angeles Times
Those who have worked under both Viana and Begiristain speak of similarities between them: they are unassuming in their demeanour but diligent and structured in the way they operate.
From BBC
At 28 years old, Mr. Dalrymple is a genuine and diligent young talent, and will no doubt go on to write many books.
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.
