assiduous
uh-SIJ-oo-us
/əˈsɪd.ju.əs/
Showing great care, attention, and persistent effort in completing a task.
Implies quiet, unremitting sitting at one's work; focus is on steady, devotion to a long task.
The story behind the word. The Latin root 'sedere' means 'to sit.' An assiduous person is literally someone who remains seated at their desk until the work is thoroughly completed. It reflects the unglamorous reality that great work requires sitting down and remaining focused for long stretches.
Word relationships
- diligent: Diligent focuses more on duty and earnest care, while assiduous stresses prolonged sit-down application.
- sedulous: Sedulous emphasizes painstaking, persevering application, often slightly more archaic.
- negligent: Negligent implies failing to give proper care or attention.
- lazy: Lazy implies an unwillingness to exert energy or work.
Commonly confused with
- arduous: Arduous describes a task that is difficult and tiring, whereas assiduous describes a person who works devotedly.
Word family
- assiduity (noun): Constant or close application to a task.
- assiduously (adverb): With great care and persistent attention.
Collocations
- assiduous efforts
- assiduous research
- assiduous attention
- assiduous preparation
Example sentences
- "Through assiduous research in municipal archives, the historian uncovered forgotten land deeds." Historical research
- "He was assiduous in his duties, never leaving his desk until every ledger was verified." Literary essay
Memory hook
Think of someone sitting ASS-in-the-seat continuously until the project is finished. Sitting steadily at work.
When not to use
Avoid using for brief spurts of energetic activity or quick physical labor.
Fun facts
- Shares the same root 'sedere' (to sit) as words like 'sedentary', 'president', and 'session'.
Related words
Explore more words
punctilious, fastidious, perseverance, steadfast, solicitous, scrupulous
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