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conscientious

adjective
con·​sci·​en·​tious | \ ËŒkän(t)-shÄ“-ˈen(t)-shÉ™s How to pronounce conscientious (audio) \

Definition of conscientious

1 : meticulous, careful a conscientious listener
2 : governed by or conforming to the dictates of conscience : scrupulous a conscientious public servant
Other Words from conscientious Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about conscientious

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Other Words from conscientious

conscientiously adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for conscientious

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles. a stern and upright minister honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness. known for being honest in business dealings just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable. workers given just compensation conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience. conscientious in the completion of her assignments scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty. a difficult but honorable decision

Did You Know?

According to American writer and editor H.L. Mencken, "Conscience is the inner voice which warns us someone may be looking." A person who is conscientious makes sure that if others are watching, they like what they see. "Conscience" and "conscientious" both come from the Latin verb conscire, a word that means "to be conscious" or "to be conscious of guilt" and that traces back to a still older Latin word, scire, meaning "to know."

Examples of conscientious in a Sentence

He was a good friend to his comrades, a conscientious leader mindful of his men's needs; an upright family man with strong, bright, proud children … — Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994 Because Puckett was a conscientious lieutenant … his men did not have to stint on their fire. He had made sure that every man was carrying a basic load of ammunition and then some to spare … — Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988 He was shifty about money matters, not conscientious about returning advances, fulfilling contracts, reading manuscripts. — Monroe K. Spears, American Ambitions, 1987 She has always been a very conscientious worker. He was conscientious about following the doctor's orders.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists acknowledges that most postterm pregnancies result in uncomplicated labors and healthy babies, conscientious caregivers will typically recommend inducing by 41 weeks, just in case. — Nikki Kolb, Glamour, "A Traumatic Birth Forever Changed My First Moments of Motherhood," 4 Sep. 2019 Show that your good reputation is well-deserved by being punctual, responsible and conscientious. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for Aug. 5, 2019: Happy birthday Jesse Williams; Pisces, be discreet," 5 Aug. 2019 Who better than a well-loved, kind and conscientious business person to represent our state in the U.S. Senate? — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Protecting children top priority; Republican Party also not the party of the past; Goose plan worked; more responses (8/19/19)," 19 Aug. 2019 The findings could help shape policies that encourage conscientious behavior in a range of situations, researchers said. — Stephanie Demarco, latimes.com, "Experiment with ‘lost’ wallets reveals that people are surprisingly honest," 20 June 2019 To keep your child genuinely safe – from both questionable material and active online predators – here is some sage advice for the conscientious parent, as well as the overly curious minor. — Kim Komando, USA TODAY, "5 ways to protect your child online," 6 June 2019 Will a mouthy, conscientious member of Congress say something? — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, "What if he dies? &c.," 31 July 2019 Government should not impede or discourage parents in their conscientious accumulation, husbanding and investment of those assets for their children’s education, broadly construed. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: Is the individual obsolete?," 17 July 2019 Remain conscientious and pay attention to your worldly duties all day and there will be time for friends, fun, or romance at night. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for July 16, 2019: Scorpio, discuss financial strategies with family; Aquarius, follow the leader," 16 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conscientious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of conscientious

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for conscientious

see conscience

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More Definitions for conscientious

conscientious

adjective
How to pronounce conscientious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of conscientious

: very careful about doing what you are supposed to do : concerned with doing something correctly

See the full definition for conscientious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

conscientious

adjective
con·​sci·​en·​tious | \ ËŒkän-shÄ“-ˈen-shÉ™s How to pronounce conscientious (audio) \

Kids Definition of conscientious

1 : guided by or agreeing with a sense of doing what is right No conscientious person would stand for such unfair actions.
2 : using or done with care conscientious teachers conscientious efforts

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