What does diligent mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdaɪəlɪdʒənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Characterized by steady, careful, and persistent effort; thorough and detail-oriented.

Examples

• The diligent student spent hours reviewing for the exam.
• The company’s diligent employees ensured the project was completed on time.

Synonyms

• Meticulous
• Persistent
• Dedicated

Antonyms

• Careless
• Lazy
• Sloppy

Etymology

The word “diligent” comes from the Latin “diligens,” meaning “attentive” or “careful.”

Usage Notes

USED AS AN ADJECTIVE: “The diligent worker was rewarded with a promotion.”

Cultural References

In the TV show “The Office,” the character Dwight Schrute is described as “diligent”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Sweat and toil and diligent labor

Related Words or Phrases

• Assiduous
• Effort
• Industrious

Collocations

• Diligent work
• Diligent employee
• Diligent student

Frequency of Use

Diligent is a relatively uncommon word, but it is frequently used in formal and professional contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Dilignet
• Dilligent