adj.
Pronunciation: ' di-l ə -j ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligent-, diligens, from present participle of diligere to esteem, love, from di- (fr. dis- apart) + legere to select ― more at LEGEND
Date: 14th century
: characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : PAINSTAKING <a diligent worker>
synonyms see BUSY
– dil · i · gent · ly adverb