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diligence

noun (1)
dil·​i·​gence | \ ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce diligence (audio) \

Definition of diligence

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : steady, earnest, and energetic effort : persevering application : assiduity showed great diligence in tracking down the story working with diligence to scrub off the paint
b obsolete : speed, haste Go, hence with diligence!— Shakespeare
2 : the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (such as a party to a contract)

diligence

noun (2)
di·​li·​gence | \ ˈdi-lə-ˌzhäⁿs How to pronounce diligence (audio) , ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce diligence (audio) \

Definition of diligence (Entry 2 of 2)

: stagecoach

First Known Use of diligence

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1742, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for diligence

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligentia, from diligent-, diligens — see diligent

Noun (2)

French, literally, haste, from Middle French, persevering application

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More Definitions for diligence

diligence

noun
dil·​i·​gence | \ ˈdi-lə-jəns How to pronounce diligence (audio) \

Kids Definition of diligence

: careful and continued hard work

diligence

noun
dil·​i·​gence | \ ˈdi-lə-jəns How to pronounce diligence (audio) \

Legal Definition of diligence

: earnest and persistent application of effort especially as required by law also : care sense 1 — see also due diligence

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More from Merriam-Webster on diligence

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with diligence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diligence

Spanish Central: Translation of diligence

Nglish: Translation of diligence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of diligence for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diligence

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