conscientious

[kon-shee-en-shuhs, kon-see-]

adjective

1. governed by conscience; controlled by or done according to one's inner sense of what is right; principled.

   She's a conscientious judge, who does not let personal prejudices influence her decisions.

   Synonyms: dedicated, devoted, faithful, honest, upright, just

2. careful and painstaking; particular; meticulous; scrupulous.

   conscientious application to the work at hand.

conscientious

/ ˌkɒnʃɪˈɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. involving or taking great care; painstaking; diligent

2. governed by or done according to conscience

Other Word Forms

• conscientiousness noun
• conscientiously adverb
• hyperconscientious adjective
• hyperconscientiously adverb
• hyperconscientiousness noun
• overconscientious adjective
• overconscientiously adverb
• unconscientious adjective
• unconscientiously adverb
• unconscientiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscientious¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin conscientiōsus, equivalent to Latin conscienti(a) conscience + -ōsus -ous

Synonym Study

See painstaking.

Example Sentences

The most conscientious pollsters invest considerable time and effort figuring out how to model their voter samples — that is, how to best reflect the eventual composition of the electorate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The conscientious local artists behind the ink, sweat and tears are generously guiding their clients in choosing meaningful symbols, while still protecting their heritage and values.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some people wear watches to appear conscientious, professional; to others, it signals status or prestige.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Compared with the flurry of blockbuster deals that reverberated around them in the National League, the Dodgers’ moves were mild, tame and certainly cost conscientious.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Brooks’ labored apologia is a history — his history — of recent American conservatism, a Manichaean fable of civilized, conscientious conservatives full of marvelous ideas and déclassé, knuckle-dragging right-wingers.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• honest 
• honorable 
• principled 
• responsible 
• scrupulous 
• strict