Conscientiousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conscientiousness

[หŒkษ‘nสƒiหˆษ›nสƒษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

Conscientiousness is the personality trait of being careful, diligent, and responsible. It involves a tendency to be organized, punctual, and goal-oriented.

Synonyms

diligence, responsibility, thoroughness.

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Word Description / Examples
conscientiousness

Used when describing someone who is careful and vigilant in fulfilling their duties, with a strong sense of doing things correctly and ethically.

  • Her conscientiousness in every project ensures the team's success
  • The employee's conscientiousness was evident in his attention to detail
diligence

Appropriate when describing a persistent and hardworking approach to tasks, emphasizing sustained effort and persistence.

  • His diligence in studying for the exams paid off with excellent grades
  • The project was completed on time thanks to her diligence and hard work
responsibility

Used when talking about someone's sense of duty and the ability to be accountable for their actions or tasks.

  • He showed great responsibility by taking care of the family business while his parents were away
  • Teachers appreciate her responsibility in turning in assignments on time
thoroughness

Best used when indicating the extent of carefulness and completeness in performing a task, emphasizing attention to every detail.

  • The thoroughness of his research was commendable
  • Her thoroughness in cleaning the house left it spotless

Examples of usage

  • She was praised for her conscientiousness in completing all her tasks on time.
  • His conscientiousness in following safety procedures saved lives.
  • Conscientiousness is often associated with success in both personal and professional life.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that higher levels of this trait are linked to better job performance and academic success.
  • People with this quality tend to be organized and dependable, which helps in teamwork.
  • Studies suggest that it can lead to better health outcomes because conscientious individuals often make healthier choices.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many societies, this trait is highly valued, often seen as essential for success in both personal and professional life.
  • Different cultures may emphasize different aspects of conscientiousness, such as punctuality or thoroughness.
  • In some Eastern cultures, a strong sense of duty and responsibility is tied closely to this personality trait.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage conscientiousness in students as it can lead to better learning and retention.
  • This trait can be measured through various assessments in educational settings to predict student success.
  • In educational psychology, fostering this quality can help create responsible and self-regulated learners.

Pop Culture

  • Many characters in literature and films exemplify this trait, often depicted as the diligent worker or the moral compass.
  • In popular media, this quality is frequently associated with success stories, where hard work pays off.
  • Songs and books about determination and responsibility often reflect themes of being conscientious.

Origin of 'conscientiousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin word 'conscientia', meaning 'knowledge within oneself'.
  • Its root components hint at being aware of oneโ€™s duties and responsibilities.
  • The term evolved in English around the 19th century to describe character traits related to diligence and care.

The word 'conscientiousness' is derived from the Latin word 'conscientia', meaning 'knowledge within oneself'. The concept of conscientiousness has been studied in psychology as one of the Big Five personality traits, which are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Conscientiousness is often associated with success and positive life outcomes, as individuals high in conscientiousness tend to be more reliable, organized, and achievement-oriented.


See also: conscientious, conscious.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,522, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.