diligently
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
- nondiligently adverb
- overdiligently adverb
- prediligently adverb
- undiligently adverb
Etymology
Origin of diligently
Explanation
Doing something diligently means doing it thoroughly and well. It's the opposite of doing it lazily or shoddily. If you are tireless, persevering, and do things with great care, then you do things diligently. This is an adverb that goes with hard and careful work. If you have a test coming up, the more diligently you review your materials, the better your grade will be. Workers who do their job diligently tend to get promoted. Some dogs diligently pursue squirrels in the park. When someone uses this word about something you've done, it's a huge compliment.
Vocabulary lists containing diligently
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
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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.
They work diligently as sparks fly from metal heated to 1,200C.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
You are diligently planning your distributions, as you have mastered the accumulation phase.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026
Provided that these demands are diligently enforced, there are tangible benefits for everyone involved.
From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026
"Staff acted quickly, strictly following government guidance, and worked diligently to deliver teaching and student support in unprecedented circumstances," he said.
From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026
Weeding was done by hand, diligently and unceasingly, because the seedlings could easily be choked by other plant life.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
