From Middle English and Old French diligent, based on Latin diligens, meaning ‘attentive’ or ‘careful.’ The Latin word came from diligere, originally ‘to choose’ and later ‘to value or love.’
From Middle English and Old French diligent, based on Latin diligens, meaning ‘attentive’ or ‘careful.’ The Latin word came from diligere, originally ‘to choose’ and later ‘to value or love.’
What does diligent mean?
Diligent means putting steady, careful effort into a task so that it is done well.
Can diligent describe both people and work?
Yes. A person can be diligent, and an effort, search, or piece of research can also be diligent.
Which prepositions commonly follow diligent?
Diligent commonly appears with about or in, as in ‘diligent about checking’ and ‘diligent in her work.’
Is diligent the same as hard-working?
They are close, but diligent adds the idea of careful, thorough attention to steady effort.
What is the opposite of diligent?
Lazy, careless, and negligent are common opposites, depending on whether effort or care is missing.
Where does diligent come from?
Diligent came through Old French from Latin diligens, a word connected with careful attention and valuing something highly.