sedulous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sedulous' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means 'showing dedication and diligence in one's work'. For example, you could say: "Molly was an incredibly sedulous worker, always striving to do her best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

She was sedulous, pernickety, quietly determined; she would work on poems for years.

The Economist

It required several weeks of sedulous persuasion by Lenin before he won the Bolshevik Party Central Committee to his view.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As well as my literary assistant, you will need to triple as a sedulous personal assistant and glamorous hostess managing the social events calendar for a busy Sicilian villa," the advert read.

Independent

pic.twitter.com/F6534isje5 "You will need to triple as a sedulous personal assistant and glamorous hostess..."....

Independent

He had a knack for the redundant, tripartite catchphrase: "Hello, good evening, and welcome!," "Marvellous, smashing, terrific!," and, of course, "Super, super, super!" Frost's bright, sedulous manner made his guests shine; when Richard Nixon decided, in 1977, to explain himself after his resignation, he selected Frost as his interlocutor.

The New Yorker

It could not have been easy to assemble so much information from so many far-flung sources, involving also sedulous opera and operatic-movie frequentation, and get it all into two such compact books.

The New York Times - Books

Watching that pope's struggles with Parkinson's could only have occasioned questions about the heroism of suffering and the sedulous demands of governance.

The New York Times

They want to escape doting, caviling parents, the injunctions of Mosaic law and a stifling "atmosphere where sedulous study was valued above action".

The New York Times - Books

For all the sedulous care Kleist takes in presenting his stories as reasoned investigations into unreason (ghosts, possessions and apparent paradoxes recur) he remains constantly aware of the utility of drama, never averse to sudden changes in perspective or a confounding flurry of twists.

The Guardian - Books

He was sedulous in managing his plots, something he attributed to a treat that took place when he was 15. "My parents took me to see the New York production of Ten Little Indians.

The Guardian

In fact, as Matthew Kirschenbaum points out in his unexpectedly engaging history of word processing, it was Deighton's sedulous assistant Ellenor Handley who did most of the typing (until 1968 she'd had to redraft each novel dozens of times).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "sedulous" with specific actions to show the impact of the effort. For example, "sedulous research" or "sedulous attention to detail".

Common error

Avoid using "sedulous" to describe short bursts of intense activity. The word implies sustained, consistent effort over time, not just a quick, energetic push.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sedulous" primarily functions to describe the quality of an action or person, emphasizing consistent and dedicated effort. Ludwig provides examples such as "sedulous care" and "sedulous attention", illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sedulous" is an adjective that describes consistent and dedicated effort. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media but also appears in Encyclopedias and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a formal tone. To use it effectively, remember that "sedulous" highlights sustained effort rather than short bursts of activity. Consider alternatives like "diligent" or "assiduous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its meaning and context, you can confidently incorporate "sedulous" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diligent

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing consistent effort and attention.

assiduous

Similar to diligent, but may imply more consistent and tireless effort.

industrious

Highlights a strong work ethic and productivity.

persevering

Focuses on persistence despite obstacles or setbacks.

conscientious

Emphasizes being thorough and careful in one's work.

meticulous

Implies extreme attention to detail and precision.

thorough

Highlights completeness and attention to all aspects of a task.

attentive

Focuses on being watchful and responsive to details.

studious

Describes someone devoted to learning and careful examination.

painstaking

Highlights the care and effort taken, often involving tedious work.

FAQs

How to use "sedulous" in a sentence?

You can use "sedulous" to describe someone who is diligent and persistent in their efforts. For example, "She was a "sedulous student", always completing her assignments on time and with great care".

What can I say instead of "sedulous"?

You can use alternatives like "diligent", "assiduous", or "industrious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sedulous effort" or "sedulous result"?

"Sedulous effort" is the more common and correct usage, as "sedulous" describes the nature of the effort. A result is typically described as successful or effective, not "sedulous".

What's the difference between "sedulous" and "meticulous"?

"Sedulous" emphasizes consistent, diligent effort, while "meticulous" highlights extreme attention to detail and precision. One can be sedulous without being meticulous, and vice versa.