diligent

[dil-i-juhnt]

adjective

1. constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything.

   a diligent student.

   Synonyms: sedulous, assiduous, industrious

2. done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking.

   a diligent search of the files.

   Synonyms: unremitting, tireless, indefatigable

diligent

/ ˈdɪlɪdʒənt /

adjective

1. careful and persevering in carrying out tasks or duties

2. carried out with care and perseverance

   diligent work

Other Word Forms

• diligently adverb
• diligentness noun
• nondiligent adjective
• overdiligent adjective
• overdiligentness noun
• prediligent adjective
• undiligent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diligent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diligent¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin dīligere to value, from dis- apart + legere to read

Synonym Study

See busy.

Example Sentences

Unless you know the ins and outs of someone’s job, it might be hard to gauge from their stories whether they are a diligent worker.

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The key: Be diligent about keeping healthcare receipts as proof in case the IRS comes knocking, she says.

Read more on Barron's

But if you don’t know anyone in the industry, be diligent about saving and investing the money that you’re making from your day job or side gigs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sir Keir is an intelligent, incredibly diligent, serious-minded politician who has achieved extraordinary things.

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Her high energy and ability to find holes will mean England's defence around the ruck will have to be very sharp and diligent.

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Related Words

• active 
• assiduous 
• attentive 
• careful 
• conscientious 
• eager 
• earnest 
• indefatigable 
• industrious 
• painstaking 
• persistent 
• studious 
• tireless