What does diligent mean Meaning and Definition

What does diligent mean

What does diligent mean

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

Related Words