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.