nt]
| 1. | constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything: a diligent student. |
| 2. | done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking: a diligent search of the files. |

dil·i·gent (dĭl'ə-jənt) adj. Marked by persevering, painstaking effort. See Synonyms at busy. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin dīligēns, dīligent-, present participle of dīligere, to esteem, love : dī-, dis-, apart; see dis- + legere, to choose; see leg- in Indo-European roots.] dil'i·gent·ly adv. |