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

He said: "Police were very diligent and seemed very keen to present it at court… They felt that he was a fraudster, a bogus builder."

From BBC

“He’s a guy that is really diligent with his preparation,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said.

From Los Angeles Times

Stardom born from diligent work does come with its dazzling perks.

From Los Angeles Times

"He was brave and diligent. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

From BBC

Their story is a dense and intricate history that required the diligent investigative technique of a good detective and the rigorous research chops of a scholar.

From Salon

Related Words

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