Diligent

/ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/

adjectivemedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

Characterized by persistent and careful effort; showing persistent care and effort.

/ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

Showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.

The diligent researcher spent years studying the effects of climate change.

💡 Simply: Being diligent is like being a super-focused worker. Think of a detective who never gives up looking for clues, or a baker who always makes the perfect cookie. They're careful and keep working hard until the job is done right!

👶 For kids: When you are diligent, you try really, really hard to do something well.

More Examples

2

She was a diligent worker and always completed her tasks on time.

3

The diligent gardener tended to the plants with care and attention.

How It's Used

Academic

"The diligent student consistently completed all assignments on time."

Professional

"A diligent employee is highly valued in any company."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Latin *diligens* (attentive, careful), present participle of *diligere* (to esteem, love, appreciate).

The word 'diligent' has been used in English since the 14th century, often in religious and moral contexts to describe someone who is devoted to their duties.

Memory tip

Imagine a worker meticulously building a bridge, brick by brick, with careful attention to detail. This is diligence!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"attentive, careful; esteem, love, appreciate."

Base: diligent
diligent studentdiligent workerdiligent effortdiligent researchdiligent approach

Common misspellings

deligentdilligentdillegent

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written