Word
thorough
Phoneticsthor·ough, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθɝoʊ/
UK/θˈʌɹɐ/
Definitions
01careful and detailed
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. doing something very carefully and making sure you do not miss any details.
adj. painstaking and meticulous; ensuring that every detail is addressed or examined.
“The doctor gave him a thorough examination to find the cause of his pain.”
“The researchers conducted a thorough review of the existing literature before proposing their new hypothesis to the board.”
Pitfall
The police made a through investigation.
The police made a thorough investigation.
Do not confuse 'thorough' (careful) with 'through' (moving from one side to the other).
Synonyms
Antonyms
02complete or absolute
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. complete in every way; used to emphasize how total a quality is.
adj. absolute or utter; used as an intensifier to indicate that a quality is complete.
“The party was a thorough success and everyone enjoyed themselves.”
“The collapse of the negotiations was a thorough disappointment for the diplomats who had spent months preparing the draft.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thorough” in context.
Adjective
01. thorough analysis
“The researchers conducted a thorough analysis of the data before publishing their findings.”
adj + noun
02. thorough discussion
“After a thorough discussion, the committee finally agreed on a new policy.”
adj + noun
03. thorough investigation
“The police promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.”
adj + noun
04. thorough knowledge
“She has a thorough knowledge of international law, making her an excellent consultant.”
adj + noun
05. thorough review
“The manager requested a thorough review of all safety procedures.”
adj + noun
06. thorough understanding
“Students need a thorough understanding of basic algebra before moving to calculus.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The global ride-hailing giant said it had come to the "difficult decision" after a thorough review of its business.” “It gets there most of the time, but it’s nowhere near good enough that I’d trust the results without a thorough double-check.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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