thorough

American  

[thur-oh, thuhr-oh] / ˈθɜr oʊ, ˈθʌr oʊ /

adjective

1. executed without negligence or omissions.

   a thorough search.

   Synonyms:

   total, unqualified, sheer, downright, exhaustive, in-depth

   Antonyms:

   superficial, partial

2. complete; perfect; utter.

   thorough enjoyment.

3. extremely attentive to accuracy and detail; painstaking: a thorough analysis.

   a thorough worker;

   a thorough analysis.

4. having full command or mastery of an art, talent, etc..

   a thorough actress.

5. extending or passing through.

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adverb

1. Archaic. through.

noun

1. (initial capital letter) the administrative policies of the Earl of Stafford and Archbishop Laud during the reign of Charles I: so called because they were uncompromisingly carried out.

thorough ¹ British  

/ ˈθʌrə /

adjective

1. carried out completely and carefully

   a thorough search

2. (prenominal) utter

   a thorough bore

3. painstakingly careful

   my work is thorough

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Thorough ² British  

/ ˈθʌrə /

noun

1. thoroughgoing policy, as adopted in England by Strafford and Laud during the reign of Charles I

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Other Word Forms

• quasi-thorough adjective
• quasi-thoroughly adverb
• superthorough adjective
• superthoroughly adverb
• thoroughly adverb
• thoroughness noun
• unthorough adjective
• unthoroughly adverb

Etymology

Origin of thorough

First recorded before 900; Middle English (preposition and adverb); Old English thuruh, variant of thurh through

Example Sentences

"Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation," Lyons said.

From Barron's

As Balko noted, strict policies that force police to be swift and thorough in releasing footage have been shown to improve police behavior.

From Salon

Unlike the online matchmaking platforms, Yarmaishinkafi conducts "thorough background checks" on her clients, provides marriage counselling and settles marital disputes all for a one-off $4 fee.

From Barron's

Contacted by AFP, the commission said it "takes note" of the opinion, while reiterating that its decision was "based on a thorough assessment" of reforms undertaken by Hungary.

From Barron's

But experts say that the state program has lacked thorough oversight and accountability, allowing a small group of manufacturers to exploit the program’s robust endowments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accurate
• careful
• complete
• comprehensive
• detailed
• exhaustive
• full
• intensive
• meticulous
• painstaking
• profound