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Diligence

/ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/

nounB2

Definition

Diligence is the quality of working carefully and without giving up. It means you keep trying and focus on your work or task until it is done well. People show diligence when they do their jobs with attention and effort, even when it is difficult or takes a long time.

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⚡ See It in Action

Careful and steady work or effort

  • •She showed great diligence in finishing her homework on time.
  • •The scientist worked with diligence to complete the experiment.
  • •His diligence at the job helped him get a promotion.

Attention to detail and persistence in tasks

  • •The lawyer reviewed the documents with diligence before the trial.
  • •Diligence is important when learning a new language.
  • •Without diligence, mistakes can easily happen.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "diligence" like "work," but with more care and patience—it is not just working, but working well and steadily.
  • ✓Picture someone slowly building a model airplane, making sure every part fits perfectly without rushing.
  • ✓It’s the feeling when you keep studying for a test every day, even if it is hard or boring.
  • ✓Sounds like "DIL-i-gence" → imagine a little "dill" plant growing steadily and carefully in a garden.
  • ✓Think of a story where a student practices the piano every day to get better, showing diligence.
  • ✓NOT like "luck" (something that happens without effort)—diligence is about working hard and focusing.
  • ✓NOT like "rush" (doing something quickly without care)—diligence is slow, steady, and careful.
  • ✓NOT like "talent" (natural ability)—diligence is about effort, not just natural skill.

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Effort: hard work to achieve something (Use when focusing on the energy someone puts in, not the carefulness)
  • •Persistence: continuing to try despite difficulties (Use when emphasizing not giving up)
  • •Care: attention and thoughtfulness (Use when emphasizing paying attention, less about long work)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Word parts: from Latin "diligentia" meaning carefulness or attentiveness
  • •Etymology: Latin origin, from "diligere" meaning "to value, to love carefully"
  • •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to describe careful and steady work
  • •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe the quality of working hard and carefully in school, work, or other tasks

💭 Reflect & Connect

•How can practicing diligence help you reach your personal goals?
•Can someone be too diligent? What might happen if a person works too carefully or too long?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.She showed diligence by ___ every detail of the project before submitting it.
2.Without diligence, it is easy to make ___ in important tasks.
3.Diligence means not just working hard but also ___ attention to the work.
4.The student’s diligence ___ in better grades over the school year.
5.Unlike luck, diligence requires ___ effort and focus every day.
6.When you work with diligence, you usually ___ mistakes and improve your skills.
7.Diligence often ___ patience and not giving up, even when tasks are difficult.