Conscientious
Adjective
Definition: Wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; diligent.
Synonyms: Diligent, Meticulous, Thorough, Responsible
Antonyms: Careless, Negligent, Lazy
- She is a conscientious student who always submits her assignments on time.
- The conscientious chef carefully prepared each dish with attention to detail.
- Think of someone who is conscientious as someone who takes their responsibilities seriously and puts in effort to do their best.
Etymology:
The word "conscientious" is derived from the Latin word "conscientia," meaning "knowledge within oneself" or "moral conscience."
Historical Usage:The term has been used in English since the 17th century, referring to individuals who were diligent and committed to moral responsibilities and duties.
Related Idioms:
"Conscientious objection"
Explanation:Refers to an individual's refusal to fulfill a certain duty or obligation due to moral or ethical reasons.
Misconceptions:
Confusing being "conscientious" with being a perfectionist.
Explanation:While conscientious individuals strive for excellence and thoroughness, being conscientious does not necessarily mean striving for perfection. It is about taking one's responsibilities seriously and performing tasks with diligence, rather than aiming for absolute flawlessness.