diligence1
- constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
- Law. the degree of care and caution required by the circumstances of a person.
- Obsolete. care; caution.
Origin of diligence1
diligence2
- a public stagecoach, especially as formerly used in France.
Origin of diligence2
Related Words
vigorquicknessintensityearnestnessalertnessexertionconstancyattentivenessassiduitykeennesspertinacityindustryattentioncarefulnessapplicationintentheedactivityassiduousnesscareExamples from the Web for diligence
Contemporary Examples
In doing this, the GOP would recruit moderators with “outstanding” reputations for “independence, diligence, and toughness.”
Adopting a foreign child requires persistence, diligence, patience, and a reliance on the slow-turning wheels of justice.
How Difficult Russian Adoptions Were, Even Before Vladimir Putin’s CrackdownLauren Ashburn
December 31, 2012
Similarly, if you filed in February (and we hate you) your diligence speaks volumes about your overall responsible nature.
According to one report, their lawyer was disbarred two years after their case was lost for "lack of diligence" in other cases.
Historical Examples
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
An Explanation of Luther's Small CatechismJoseph Stump
If we imitate Lydia in diligence, let us not forget to imitate her in piety.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IIFrancis Augustus Cox
But all this diligence and speed were not without an object.
The Last of the MohicansJames Fenimore Cooper
It was necessary to hasten, so that he might be sure of booking a place in the diligence.
Casanova's HomecomingArthur Schnitzler
She was the only passenger in the diligence, and the door was locked.
Hetty's Strange HistoryAnonymous
diligence1
- steady and careful application
- proper attention or care
- law the degree of care required in a given situation
Word Origin
diligence2
- history a stagecoach
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for diligence
n.
mid-14c., from Old French diligence "attention, care; haste, speed," from Latin diligentia "attentiveness, carefulness," from diligentem (nominative diligens) "attentive, assiduous, careful," originally present participle of diligere "single out, value highly, esteem, prize, love; aspire to, be content with, appreciate," originally "to pick out, select," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + legere "choose, gather" (see lecture (n.)).
Sense evolved from "love" through "attentiveness" to "carefulness" to "steady effort." From the secondary French sense comes the old useage of diligence for "public stage coach" (1742; dilly for short), from a French shortening of carrosse de diligence.