industrious
in-DUS-tree-us
/ɪnˈdʌs.tri.əs/
Diligent and hard-working; energetic in devoting time to productive tasks.
Stresses active output, efficiency, and constant purposeful activity like an ant or bee.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'industria', combining internal motivation ('endo-', within) with building ('struere'). An industrious person builds value from within through steady activity, a sense preserved when describing productive workers.
Word relationships
- hard-working: Hard-working is common and neutral, whereas industrious suggests organized productivity.
- productive: Productive highlights the output produced, while industrious highlights the habit of working.
- indolent: Indolent describes a habitual avoidance of activity or exertion.
- slothful: Slothful implies deep physical and mental laziness.
Commonly confused with
- industrial: Industrial relates to factories and manufacturing, while industrious relates to hardworking human character.
Word family
- industry (noun): Hard work, effort, or an economic sector.
- industriously (adverb): In a hard-working and energetic manner.
Collocations
- industrious student
- industrious worker
- industrious nature
- industrious habits
Idioms & expressions
- busy as a bee
Example sentences
- "The town flourished due to its industrious workforce and thriving trade connections." Economic commentary
- "An industrious student, she balanced lab work with late-night study sessions." Biography
Memory hook
An DUST-rious worker wipes away dust to keep building things efficiently. Building productivity within.
When not to use
Do not use to describe mere physical strength; it requires active work and productivity.
Fun facts
- Before the Industrial Revolution meant factory manufacturing, 'industry' meant personal devotion to hard work.
Explore more words
efficient, industrial, zealous, stalwart, endeavor, perseverance
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