Sedulous

Adjective

Definition: Showing dedication and diligence; hardworking and persistent.

Synonyms: Diligent, Industrious, Assiduous

Antonyms: Lazy, Indolent, Negligent

Examples:

The sedulous student always completed her assignments on time.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, he remained sedulous in his pursuit of success.

Mnemonics:

"Sedulous" sounds similar to "studious" which also implies being hardworking and dedicated.
Think of the word "sedulous" as a combination of "sensible" and "diligent", reinforcing the meaning of being hardworking and persistent.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "sedulous" originated from the Latin word "sedulus" meaning "diligent" or "zealous".

Historical Usage:

The term "sedulous" has been used to describe individuals who exhibit perseverance and dedication since the 17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Sedulous effort"

Explanation:

Refers to putting devoted and persistent work towards achieving a particular goal.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "sedulous" with "seditious" due to similar-sounding words.

Explanation:

While "sedulous" implies being hardworking and persistent, "seditious" refers to actions or speech inciting rebellion or opposition to authority. These words have different meanings and should not be interchanged.