diligent

Where does the word "diligent" come from? It comes from Latin diligens, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Diligent’s story begins in Latin: diligens meant “careful, attentive.” From 'diligere', to value. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as diligent. Latin 'diligere' meant to single out and love; the sense shifted from love to care to steady effort. It reached English by 1300s as diligent. 'due diligence' dates from the 1400s. Today, diligent means showing care in one's work.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient diligens "careful, attentive", from 'diligere', to value.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval diligent "diligent", Latin 'diligere' meant to single out and love; the sense shifted from love to care to steady effort.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s diligent "careful", 'due diligence' dates from the 1400s.