diligent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness
    persevering.
    • a diligent (or patient) worker
    • with persevering (or patient) industry she revived the failing business
  2. adjective characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks
    • a diligent detective investigates all clues
    • a diligent search of the files

WordNet

Dil"i*gent adjective
Etymology
F. diligent, L. diligens, -entis, p. pr. of diligere, dilectum, to esteem highly, prefer; di- = dis- + legere to choose. See Legend.
Definitions
  1. Prosecuted with careful attention and effort; careful; painstaking; not careless or negligent.
    The judges shall make diligent inquisition. Deut. xix. 18.
  2. Interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady and earnest in application to a subject or pursuit; assiduous; industrious.
    Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings. Prov. xxii. 29.
    Diligent cultivation of elegant literature. Prescott.
    Syn. -- Active; assiduous; sedulous; laborious; persevering; attentive; industrious.

Webster 1913