Word
painstakingly
Phoneticspainstak·ing·ly
US/ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋɫi/
UK/pˈeɪnsteɪkɪŋli/
Definition
adv. to do something with great care and attention to detail. You use this when someone works very slowly and carefully to make sure everything is perfect.
adv. in a manner requiring great care, effort, and attention to detail. Often used to describe a process that is slow but thorough.
Examples
“She painstakingly cleaned the old painting for hours.”
“The researchers painstakingly analyzed every piece of evidence before they could reach a final conclusion.”
“The restoration of the cathedral was painstakingly carried out over several decades, with every stone and carving returned to its original position with surgical precision.”
Examples
simple
“She painstakingly cleaned the old painting for hours.”
contextual
“The researchers painstakingly analyzed every piece of evidence before they could reach a final conclusion.”
complex
“The restoration of the cathedral was painstakingly carried out over several decades, with every stone and carving returned to its original position with surgical precision.”
Real-World Examples
“Jefferis' team and collaborators painstakingly analysed every nerve cell, every wire and every connection in a male fruit fly.” “The road narrows as you enter Panna Tiger Reserve, one of central India's most ecologically rich corridors, home to tigers, gharials, and vultures painstakingly brought back from the edge of local extinction.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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