'Diligent' definitions:

Definition of 'diligent'

From: WordNet
adjective
Quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness; "a diligent (or patient) worker"; "with persevering (or patient) industry she revived the failing business" [syn: diligent, persevering]
adjective
Characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks; "a diligent detective investigates all clues"; "a diligent search of the files" [ant: negligent]

Definition of 'Diligent'

From: GCIDE
  • Diligent \Dil"i*gent\, a. [F. diligent, L. diligens, -entis, p. pr. of diligere, dilectum, to esteem highly, prefer; di- = dis- + legere to choose. See Legend.]
  • 1. Prosecuted with careful attention and effort; careful; painstaking; not careless or negligent. [1913 Webster]
  • The judges shall make diligent inquisition. --Deut. xix. 18. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady and earnest in application to a subject or pursuit; assiduous; industrious. [1913 Webster]
  • Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings. --Prov. xxii. 29. [1913 Webster]
  • Diligent cultivation of elegant literature. --Prescott.
  • Syn: Active; assiduous; sedulous; laborious; persevering; attentive; industrious. [1913 Webster]