Vocabulary in context
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Diligence
The quality of being careful, thorough, and persistent in one's work; steady, earnest effort toward a goal.
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Imagine This
A student sits at a desk under a lamp, notebook open, a calendar filled with check marks. Each problem is reviewed twice, sources are cited carefully, and a checklist is steadily crossed off as the night wears on.
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Sounds Like
DIL-ih-juhns
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Looks Like
Resembles the adjective 'diligent' in root and spelling, but used as a noun.
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Remember This
Diligence emphasizes steady, careful effort over time rather than flashes of talent. It is a core trait for achieving long-term success.
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Other Forms
diligentadjective
diligentlyadverb
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Connect With
assiduousness, industriousness, perseverance, thoroughness, dedication
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Note
Differentiate from indulgence (gratifying oneself) and laziness (lack of effort). Diligence is the noun form; 'diligent' is the adjective and 'diligently' the adverb.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her diligence in preparing for the SAT paid off with a top score on the math section.
- The editor's diligence ensured every citation was accurate and every fact verified.
Synonyms
assiduousnessindustriousnessperseverancecarefulnesssedulousness
Antonyms
negligencecarelessnesslaziness
Etymology
From Latin diligentia, from diligere 'to love, value, or take pains'.
Mnemonic
Do It, Labor In Groundwork, Earn Noteworthy Consistent Effort.
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Elitist
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by elitism; favoring or believing that an elite group should have power or privilege, often viewing others as inferior.
Placate
verbTo calm or appease someone who is angry or upset.
Vigilant
adjectiveKeeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alert and ready to respond.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
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