industrious

Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: diligent, sedulous, assiduous

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of industrious

Exhibiting consistent effort, determination, and persistence in work or tasks, often accompanied by a strong sense of responsibility and discipline.

Origin of industrious

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: industria

Original meaning: diligence, activity, purposefulness

How it evolved: The term originally referred to purposeful effort and labor. It was later adopted into Old French as 'industre,' and finally entered English as 'industrious,' retaining its connotation of hard work and persistence.

The word 'industrious' comes from Latin roots and evolved through French into English, emphasizing diligence and productivity.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember industrious

Think of 'industrial'—factories are busy and productive, just like an industrious person who is always working hard.

Synonyms for industrious

Antonyms of industrious

industrious in a Sentence

  1. The industrious student spent countless hours in the library, meticulously preparing for her GRE exam.
  2. An industrious worker, she quickly became a cornerstone of the company due to her relentless dedication and efficiency.
  3. The beehive is often used as a metaphor for industrious activity, symbolizing tireless and cooperative labor.

industrious in Literature & Culture

In literature, 'industrious' is frequently used to describe characters with an admirable work ethic, such as Jane Eyre in Charlotte Brontë's novel, who is depicted as both industrious and independent.

Usage Notes

While 'industrious' is often used as a general term for hard work, it also implies a sense of consistent effort over time. It has a positive connotation and is usually used to praise someone's work ethic. Avoid confusing it with 'industrial,' which relates to factories or manufacturing.

Why industrious Matters for GRE & SAT

The GRE often tests adjectives like 'industrious' because they describe character traits relevant to academic and professional success. Recognizing synonyms and antonyms of this word can help in text completion and sentence equivalence questions.

Word Family

industry (noun)
Economic activity concerned with the production of goods or services.
industrial (adjective)
Relating to industry or manufacturing.
industriously (adverb)
In a diligent or hard-working manner.
industriousness (noun)
The quality of being diligent and hard-working.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'industrious' is often associated with bees and ants, which are considered symbols of hard work and cooperation in many cultures.
  • Benjamin Franklin famously praised industriousness as a key to success in his writings, including in 'Poor Richard's Almanack.'
  • The term 'industrious revolution' is used by historians to describe a period of increased labor and productivity in pre-industrial societies.

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