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

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has praised the former first minister as a "serious and diligent leader", but it said she "often excluded" some government ministers and advisers from key discussions.

Read more on BBC

Despite the vacancies, UVA’s board has the votes it needs to conduct a diligent leadership search and hire a new President, which would let the school get back to educating.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Can You Solve the Murder?” also offers a neat bonus for savvy crime-solvers—a detective scoring system that awards keen “sleuthing skills” and diligent notetaking.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The kid was so diligent and persistent in his rehab,” Casani said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We should be able to expect safe, compassionate and diligent care for some of the most vulnerable people in society," says Jane.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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