Conscientious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conscientious

[ˌkɒnʃiˈɛnʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

work ethic

Conscientious is a quality of being very careful to do your work properly and to be honest.

Synonyms

diligent, meticulous, scrupulous, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conscientious	Used to describe someone who is very careful to do their work properly and thoroughly, often because they have a strong sense of duty. Sarah is a conscientious student who pays attention to every detail of her assignments
meticulous	Used to describe someone who pays extreme attention to detail, ensuring everything is done perfectly. The artist is meticulous in her work, ensuring every stroke of the brush is perfect
diligent	Refers to someone who works hard and is dedicated to completing tasks, often over a long period of time. John is diligent in his studies, spending hours each night reviewing his notes
thorough	Describes someone or something that is very complete and careful, leaving no detail overlooked. The inspector was thorough in his examination, checking every corner of the building
scrupulous	Refers to someone who is very concerned to avoid doing wrong and always acts with integrity. It can also mean being extremely attentive to detail. A scrupulous report was submitted, highlighting every minor detail and ensuring accuracy

Examples of usage

She is a conscientious worker who always meets deadlines.
He is known for his conscientious attention to detail.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

moral decision making

Conscientious describes a person who takes care to do what is right and to avoid doing what is wrong.

Synonyms

ethical, honorable, principled, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conscientious	Use when describing someone who is very careful and thorough, especially in their duties and responsibilities. She is a conscientious student who always submits her assignments on time
ethical	Use when discussing someone's behavior in terms of moral principles and values, particularly in challenging situations. An ethical journalist checks their sources and avoids spreading false information
upright	Use when describing someone with high moral integrity, often in a personal or social context. He is an upright citizen, always helping others and standing up for what is right
principled	Use when referring to someone who consistently adheres to their moral beliefs and values. She was a principled leader who never compromised her values
honorable	Use when highlighting someone's integrity, often in a commendable or prestigious manner. He made an honorable decision by admitting his mistake and apologizing

Examples of usage

She made a conscientious decision to speak up against injustice.
His conscientious nature led him to donate to charity regularly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Conscientiousness is one of the Big Five personality traits, which includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
People who score high in conscientiousness tend to be more successful in their careers due to their diligence and organization.
This personality trait is linked to better health habits, as conscientious individuals often make more responsible choices about their lifestyle.

Education

Conscientious students typically achieve higher grades because they are diligent in their studies and attentive to assignments.
Teachers often encourage conscientious behavior in students to foster responsibility and a good work ethic.
Research indicates that conscientiousness in children can predict academic success later in life.

Culture

In many cultures, being conscientious is seen as a virtue, associated with dependability and integrity.
The concept of 'diligence' in various cultural sayings praises those who work hard and pay attention to details.
In Japanese culture, the idea of 'gaman' reflects perseverance and conscientiousness in facing challenges.

Workplace

Employers highly value conscientious employees, as they are often seen as reliable and trustworthy.
Studies show that conscientiousness can lead to better teamwork, as these individuals tend to be considerate and organized in group settings.
In remote work environments, conscientious employees often excel due to their self-discipline and ability to manage time effectively.

Origin of 'conscientious'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'conscientia,' meaning 'knowledge' or 'awareness.'
It entered the English language in the early 19th century, emphasizing moral awareness and carefulness in actions.

The word 'conscientious' comes from the Latin word 'conscientia', which means 'knowledge within oneself' or 'a moral sense of right and wrong'. The term has been used in English since the mid-17th century to describe individuals who act according to their conscience and moral principles.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,461 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9458 crept
9459 immature
9460 desirability
9461 conscientious
9462 canopy
9463 keyboard
9464 remembrance
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