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Diligence is a crucial aspect of mastering the English language, especially for those who are learning it as a second language. But what does diligence mean, and how can we use it in conversations and writing? This reference will shed light on this word’s meaning and common usage to help you gain a deeper understanding of this word.
Diligence Meaning
Key Takeaways
- Diligence is a noun that refers to the quality of working carefully and with a lot of effort.
- “Diligence” should not be confused with “perseverance” or “vigilance”.
What Does Diligence Mean?
Diligence is a noun that refers to the quality of working carefully and with a lot of effort. When you show diligence, it means that you are putting in the time and energy required to complete a task with great attention to detail. It implies a sense of responsibility and conscientiousness towards one’s work. For example, if you are diligent about learning English, you might spend extra time studying vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and immersing yourself in the language.
Origin of Diligence
The word “diligence” has its roots in the Latin word diligentia, which means “attentiveness” or “carefulness.” It is derived from diligere, which means “to love, choose, or value highly.” This highlights the connection between diligence and taking care of something you hold dear, as well as making an intentional effort to achieve a goal.
Other Meanings of Diligence
While the primary meaning of diligence relates to careful and consistent effort put into a task, there are a few other meanings:
- Diligence as speed or haste: In some contexts, particularly in legal or historical documents, diligence can refer to promptness or speed in performing a task. This is a less common usage, but it underscores the importance of timely action and responsiveness.
- Due diligence: In the world of business and law, “due diligence” is a specific term that describes the process of investigating and evaluating a company, property, or investment before entering into a transaction. It ensures that the parties involved have a thorough understanding of the assets and liabilities, as well as potential risks and rewards.
Commonly Confused Terms with Diligence
This section will delve into two such terms, which are often confused with diligence: perseverance and vigilance. Being aware of these distinctions will help enhance your language skills and comprehension.
Diligence vs. Perseverance
On one hand, diligence refers to the quality of being thorough, careful and showing persistent attention to detail. It involves working consistently and with great commitment to achieve desired results. For example:
- Mary showed diligence in her studies by completing her assignments thoroughly, and revising every topic before her exams.
On the other hand, perseverance signifies the act of maintaining steady persistence in a course of action or purpose despite encountering obstacles, difficulties, or discouragement. In other words, it’s the ability to keep going even when things get tough. For example:
- John displayed perseverance when he continued applying to different universities despite facing multiple rejections.
Diligence vs. Vigilance
Another term that is commonly confused with diligence is vigilance. While both terms share a sense of attentiveness, the nature of that attentiveness is different.
Diligence emphasizes a consistent and meticulous approach to tasks or responsibilities. It implies a sense of careful planning, execution, and thoroughness in one’s endeavors, ensuring that everything is well thought-out and complete.
In contrast, vigilance denotes the act of being watchful, alert and prepared for possible dangers or difficulties. It involves keeping an eye out for threats or unexpected circumstances that may require adequate response or intervention. For example:
- As a lifeguard, Sarah showcased vigilance by keeping a close watch on the swimmers and reacting promptly to any signs of distress.
Diligence Examples
Examples of Diligence in Conversations
In everyday conversations, people often use the term ‘diligence’ to describe someone’s carefulness and commitment to their responsibilities. Here are a few examples of how the word can be used in conversations:
Conversation 1
- John: Jane is always so thorough with her work. How does she do it?
- Mary: Her diligence is really impressive, isn’t it? She always takes the time to double-check everything.
Conversation 2
- Sara: I can’t believe Tim finished that project so quickly. He must have worked day and night.
- Mark: Yes, his diligence really shows in the results.
Examples of Diligence in Texting and Social Posts
The term ‘diligence’ can also appear in various written forms such as text messages and online posts. Social media platforms and text messaging allow for a more casual conversation style, so abbreviations or different wordings might be used:
Text conversation
- Person 1: Hey, did u finish the project?
- Person 2: Yeah, I put in a lot of diligence to get it done on time.
- Person 1: Awesome, thanks for putting in the effort!
Social posts
- Just finished my workout! ???? It’s all about diligence and consistency. #fitnessgoals
- Working on my research paper. It’s taking a lot of time, but diligence is the key to success! ????
- Shoutout to my coworker who has been putting in extra hours and showing great diligence on our project! #Teamwork
Other Examples of Diligence
Diligence is not limited to just conversations and written messages. It can be exhibited in various aspects of life, from professional settings to personal hobbies. Some examples include:
- At work: An employee showing diligence might consistently arrive early, stay late, and go the extra mile to ensure their work is of the highest quality.
- During studies: A student with diligence will put in the necessary effort to understand the material, complete assignments on time, and seek extra help when needed.
- In personal hobbies: Someone who puts diligence into their hobby will spend time learning new techniques, honing their skills, and setting achievable goals.
Usage of Diligence in Different Contexts
In this section, you will learn how to use the word “diligence” in different situations, helping you add precision and intentionality to your language.
When referring to someone’s work ethic, you can use the word “diligence” to emphasize their careful and persistent effort. For example:
- Your diligence in completing the project led to its success.
- The manager praised the new employee’s diligence in learning the business.
In a legal context, the term “due diligence” is often used to describe a comprehensive investigation or audit conducted by one party before entering into an agreement with another. Examples include:
- Before signing the contract, the company performed due diligence to verify the financial stability of the potential partner.
- It’s essential to exercise due diligence when purchasing a property to ensure there are no hidden issues.
In the context of personal development or self-improvement, diligence is often used to highlight a commitment to growth and the pursuit of excellence. You can use it in sentences like these:
- With diligence, you can overcome any learning obstacles and achieve higher levels of success.
- Developing a habit of diligence will positively impact all aspects of your life.
Diligence can also be utilized in various idiomatic expressions or proverbs. Here are a few examples:
- Diligence is the mother of good luck.
- In the school of life, diligence is the best teacher.
Diligence Terminology
Terms Related to Diligence
When discussing diligence, several related terms might come into play. Some of these terms include:
- Due diligence: This term is often used in business to describe the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating the risks of a potential investment, acquisition, or partnership.
- Conscientiousness: This characteristic is displayed by someone who shows a high level of care, attention, and thoroughness in their work.
Synonyms for Diligence
Several synonyms for diligence can help you expand your vocabulary. Some common synonyms include:
- Assiduity
- Persistence
- Perseverance
- Industriousness
- Steadfastness
Antonyms for Diligence
Some antonyms for diligence are:
- Laziness
- Carelessness
- Negligence
- Procrastination
- Apathy
Diligence Word Family
As with most words in the English language, diligence belongs to a word family. Here, we will explore some members of the diligence word family:
- Diligent (adjective): This is the adjective form of diligence and describes someone who works carefully, with sustained effort and attention.
- Diligently (adverb): This adverb form of diligence describes how a task is done, that is, with careful and persistent effort.
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