Painstakingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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painstakingly

[ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

working

in a way that shows great care and attention to detail

Synonyms

carefully, meticulously, thoroughly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
painstakingly	Used when emphasizing the great care and thoroughness taken in completing a task, particularly when it involves a lot of effort and attention to detail. She painstakingly painted each flower with a tiny brush. The manuscript was painstakingly edited over several months.
carefully	Used when general attention and caution are required to avoid mistakes or accidents. He carefully crossed the busy street. She read the instructions carefully before beginning the experiment.
meticulously	Used when describing the action of paying great attention to every small detail, often to a degree that suggests perfectionism. The architect meticulously reviewed the blueprints. She planned the event meticulously, ensuring everything was perfect.
thoroughly	Used when emphasizing completeness and thoroughness in action, often implying every aspect has been covered or every task has been completed. He cleaned the house thoroughly, leaving no corner untouched. The detective thoroughly investigated the crime scene.

Examples of usage

She painstakingly painted each detail of the portrait.
The artist painstakingly recreated the scene from memory.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

done

with great effort and care

Synonyms

assiduously, attentively, diligently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
painstakingly	Used when describing an action that requires or demonstrates great care and thoroughness, often involving a lot of effort and time. "She painstakingly recreated the ancient manuscript by hand "
diligently	Used to convey steady, earnest, and energetic effort over a period of time, typically focused on completing a task or fulfilling responsibilities. "She diligently studied for her exams every day "
assiduously	Used to highlight consistent and careful attention to a task, often emphasizing persistent and determined effort. "He worked assiduously to complete his research project on time "
attentively	Used to describe paying close attention to something or someone, often to listen or observe carefully. "The students listened attentively to the professor's lecture "

Examples of usage

She painstakingly researched every detail before writing the report.
He painstakingly assembled the model ship over several weeks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This word comes from combining 'pain' (meaning effort or trouble) and 'staking,' which means to take a step.
Developed in the early 17th century as a way to describe careful work, it conveys a strong sense of dedication.
The prefix 'pain-' suggests discomfort, relating to the effort put into detailed tasks.

Psychology

People who work painstakingly often experience higher satisfaction in their achievements due to the attention to detail.
Such careful work can lead to increased focus, as it requires mental discipline and can enhance cognitive abilities.
However, being too painstaking can lead to stress or burnout if the person feels overwhelmed by the need for perfection.

Art

In the art world, painters may work painstakingly on a single canvas for months, adding layers and details that bring their vision to life.
Some intricate sculptures require painstaking methods to carve, reflecting both devotion and exceptional skill.
Painstakingly crafted works can be more valued, as they often showcase the artist's commitment to excellence.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, painstaking craftsmanship is celebrated, highlighting skills passed down through generations.
Traditional crafts, like pottery and weaving, exemplify painstaking techniques that yield beautiful, functional art.
This word also aligns with cultural values that prioritize patience and precision in creating something meaningful.

Literature

Writers often create painstaking drafts before arriving at their final piece, ensuring every word fits perfectly.
Painstaking research is essential for non-fiction authors, providing a foundation of truth and reliability.
Characters in novels may embody this trait, often facing challenges that ultimately lead to success through their careful efforts.

Translations

Translations of the word "painstakingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cuidadosamente

🇮🇳 सावधानीपूर्वक

🇩🇪 sorgfältig

🇮🇩 dengan cermat

🇺🇦 ретельно

🇵🇱 starannie

🇯🇵 丹念に (たんねんに)

🇫🇷 soigneusement

🇪🇸 cuidadosamente

🇹🇷 özenle

🇰🇷 세심하게

🇸🇦 باجتهاد

🇨🇿 pečlivě

🇸🇰 starostlivo

🇨🇳 细心地 (xìxīn de)

🇸🇮 skrbno

🇮🇸 vandlega

🇰🇿 ұқыпты

🇬🇪 ფრთხილად

🇦🇿 diqqətlə

🇲🇽 cuidadosamente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,397, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22394 blocker
22395 reprieve
22396 loftiest
22397 painstakingly
22398 wringing
22399 ajar
22400 equilateral
...