mid-14c., from Old French diligence "attention, care; haste, speed," from Latin diligentia "attentiveness, carefulness," from diligentem (nominative diligens) "attentive, assiduous, careful," originally present participle of diligere "single out, value highly, esteem, prize, love; aspire to, be content with, appreciate," originally "to pick out, select," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + legere "choose, gather" (see lecture (n.)).
Sense evolved from "love" through "attentiveness" to "carefulness" to "steady effort." From the secondary French sense comes the old useage of diligence for "public stage coach" (1742; dilly for short), from a French shortening of carrosse de diligence.
双语例句
1. The police are pursuing their inquiries with great diligence.
警方正不知疲倦地进行调查。
来自柯林斯例句
2. He exhorted his companions, "Try to accomplish your aim with diligence".
他劝诫同伴说：“要通过勤奋努力实现自己的目标。”
来自柯林斯例句
3. She shows great diligence in her schoolwork.
她上学非常用功。
来自《权威词典》
4. Diligence and thrift made him a possessor of warm fortunes.
勤俭使他成为富翁.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. If your talent combines with diligence, you can excel in your pursuit.