French word

diligence

Pronunciation

IPA/diliʒɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine noundedication

Example

Elle met beaucoup de diligence dans son travail.

She puts a lot of dedication into her work.

Illustration for diligence (dedication)

More examples

Le dossier a été traité avec diligence par le service.

The file was handled with diligence by the department.

Core concept

Steady, careful effort applied to a task until it is completed well.

Common phrases

  • manquer de diligence

    lack diligence

  • faire preuve de diligence

    show diligence

Similar words

application: Concentrated effort devoted to work or study.
soin: Thorough care in carrying out a task and handling its details.
sérieux: A responsible and earnest attitude toward obligations.
attention: Alert attention to what is happening or being done.

Definition in French

Disposition à travailler avec soin et zèle, en fournissant un effort soutenu dans l'accomplissement d'une tâche.

Word origin

French diligence comes from Latin diligentia, derived from diligere, meaning to value or care for, which developed into the sense of careful effort.

Usage tips

  • In formal French, faire preuve de diligence is often more idiomatic for showing diligence than avoir de la diligence.

Other meanings

  • industrynoun
  • carenoun

Opposites

  • négligencenegligencenoun

Related words

  • diligentdiligentadjective
  • diligemmentdiligentlyadverb

Word lists with this word