ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diligently

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɪɫədʒəntɫi// UK //dˈɪlɪdʒəntli// dili·gent·ly

adv. doing something with great care and hard work. You use this when someone puts a lot of effort into a task to make sure it is done perfectly.

adv. characterised by persistent, painstaking effort and thoroughness. Typically modifies verbs related to work, study, or investigation.


SIMPLE

She works diligently to finish her projects on time.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal team worked diligently for months to review every document before the trial began.

COMPLEX

By diligently documenting every minor observation in her field journal, the researcher was able to identify a pattern that previous teams had overlooked during their shorter stays.

Origin

From diligent + -ly.

Usage

Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He is a diligently workerHe is a diligent workerLearners often use the adverb form 'diligently' to modify a noun, but the adjective 'diligent' is required for nouns.

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