Dil"i*gent (?), a. [F. diligent, L. diligens, -entis, p.
pr. of diligere, dilectum, to esteem highly, prefer; di- = dis- + legere to choose. See Legend.]
1. Prosecuted with careful attention and effort; careful; painstaking; not careless or negligent.
The judges shall
make diligent inquisition.
Deut. xix.
18. 2. Interestedly and perseveringly attentive;
steady and earnest in application to a subject or
pursuit; assiduous; industrious.
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before
kings.
Prov. xxii. 29. Diligent cultivation of elegant literature.
Prescott.
Syn. -- Active; assiduous; sedulous; laborious; persevering; attentive; industrious.
Hear it pronounced