diligent
Diligent (adjective) means working with steady, careful effort; hard-working and thorough. Example: “She’s a diligent student who never misses an assignment.”
How to use diligent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHard-working, careful, and thorough in what you do.
Word forms
more diligent comparative, most diligent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She’s a _____ student who never misses an assignment.
Etymology
From Old French diligent, from Latin diligens, "careful, attentive" — literally "choosing carefully," from legere, "to choose."
Rhymes for diligent
See all rhymes for diligent →Frequently asked questions
What does “diligent” mean?
The word “diligent” means working with steady, careful effort; hard-working and thorough. In plain terms, hard-working, careful, and thorough in what you do.
How do you pronounce “diligent”?
“Diligent” is pronounced DIH-lihd-zhuhnt (/ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “diligent” in a sentence?
Here is “diligent” used in a sentence: “She’s a diligent student who never misses an assignment.”
What part of speech is “diligent”?
“Diligent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “diligent” come from?
The word “diligent” comes from Latin. From Old French diligent, from Latin diligens, "careful, attentive" — literally "choosing carefully," from legere, "to choose.".
Is “diligent” a common word?
“Diligent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.