Industrious: meaning, definitions and examples

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industrious

[ɪnˈdʌstriəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hard-working

Characterized by hard work and perseverance; diligent in carrying out tasks or duties.

Synonyms

diligent, hard-working, productive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
industrious	Used to describe someone who is consistently working hard, often characterized by steady effort and perseverance over a long period. It carries a slightly formal tone. She is an industrious student, always putting in long hours to understand the material The industrious worker completed the project ahead of schedule
hard-working	A common term to describe someone who consistently works hard, often without necessarily highlighting a specific quality like thoroughness or productivity. It's versatile and widely understood. Our team is full of hard-working individuals He is known for being hard-working and always puts in the extra effort
diligent	Highlights the careful and persistent effort towards tasks. It is often used to emphasize attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks. Her diligent research ensured the report was accurate The diligent gardener took great care of the plants, ensuring they were healthy
productive	Describes someone or something that achieves a high amount of output or results, often used in contexts where efficiency and results are emphasized. The meeting was very productive; we accomplished a lot She had a productive day and managed to finish all her tasks

Examples of usage

She is known for her industrious work ethic.
The industrious student spent hours studying for the exam.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

busy

Showing steady and earnest effort; hard-working and diligent.

Synonyms

busy, diligent, hard-working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
industrious	Used to describe someone who is consistently productive and works hard over a long period. It often implies a steady, methodical commitment to work. She is an industrious worker, always staying late to ensure everything is perfect The team admired her industrious efforts during the project
busy	Used to describe a person or situation that is actively engaged in many activities or tasks. It can sometimes imply being overwhelmed or having too much to do. He's been very busy lately with meetings and reports The restaurant was so busy that we had to wait for a table
hard-working	Used to describe someone who is consistently putting in effort and working hard, often emphasizing their strong work ethic. He is a hard-working employee, always the first to arrive and the last to leave The farmers are known for their hard-working nature
diligent	Used to describe someone who pays attention to detail and puts significant effort into their work. It suggests thoroughness and an earnest approach. She is very diligent in her studies and always turns in meticulously completed assignments The researchers were diligent in their documentation process

Examples of usage

The industrious bees were busy collecting nectar.
He was praised for his industrious efforts in completing the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'industria', which means 'diligence, skill, or activity'.
It entered the English language during the late Middle Ages and initially referred to hard work and effort.
Over time, its meaning evolved to emphasize not just hard work but also productivity and efficiency.

Literature

Many classic authors praised industriousness as a virtue, often assigning it to heroic characters who achieve great feats.
In Aesop's fables, the industrious ant contrasts with the lazy grasshopper, highlighting the importance of preparation and hard work.
Industrious characters in novels often serve as role models, promoting themes of perseverance and dedication.

Psychology

Research shows that industrious individuals tend to have higher levels of satisfaction in their lives and careers.
Being industrious is often linked to better stress management, as engaged people may find joy and purpose in their tasks.
Studies suggest that a strong work ethic can lead to improved social relationships, with industrious people often being seen as reliable.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, industriousness is celebrated as a key trait for success, reflecting broader societal values around hard work.
Different cultures have unique sayings that emphasize the need for hard work, like 'No pain, no gain'.
In some communities, industriousness is portrayed through folklore, where hard workers are rewarded in the end.

Economics

Industrious workers are often viewed as the backbone of economies, driving innovation and productivity.
In capitalist societies, industriousness is frequently linked to wealth accumulation and economic growth.
Labor philosophies in various economies highlight the role of industrious individuals in improving living standards for all.

Translations

Translations of the word "industrious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 industrioso

🇮🇳 मेहनती

🇩🇪 fleißig

🇮🇩 rajin

🇺🇦 працьовитий

🇵🇱 pracowity

🇯🇵 勤勉な (きんべんな)

🇫🇷 industrieux

🇪🇸 industrioso

🇹🇷 çalışkan

🇰🇷 부지런한

🇸🇦 مجتهد

🇨🇿 pracovitý

🇸🇰 pracovitý

🇨🇳 勤劳的 (qínláo de)

🇸🇮 priden

🇮🇸 iðinn

🇰🇿 еңбекқор

🇬🇪 მშრომელი

🇦🇿 çalışqan

🇲🇽 industrioso

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,790, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10787 immoral
10788 exaggeration
10789 rainbow
10790 industrious
10791 traveler
10792 banished
10793 respectful
...