thorough

[ thur-oh, thuhr-oh ]

adjective

1. executed without negligence or omissions:

   a thorough search.

   Synonyms: total, unqualified, sheer, downright, exhaustive, in-depth

   Antonyms: superficial, partial

2. complete; perfect; utter:

   thorough enjoyment.

3. extremely attentive to accuracy and detail; painstaking: a thorough analysis.

   a thorough worker;

   a thorough analysis.

4. having full command or mastery of an art, talent, etc.:

   a thorough actress.

5. extending or passing through.

adverb

1. Archaic. through.

noun

1. (initial capital letter) English History. the administrative policies of the Earl of Stafford and Archbishop Laud during the reign of Charles I: so called because they were uncompromisingly carried out.

thorough

¹

/ ˈθʌrə /

adjective

1. carried out completely and carefully

   a thorough search

2. prenominal utter

   a thorough bore

3. painstakingly careful

   my work is thorough

Thorough

²

/ ˈθʌrə /

noun

1. thoroughgoing policy, as adopted in England by Strafford and Laud during the reign of Charles I

Derived Forms

• ˈthoroughly, adverb
• ˈthoroughness, noun

Other Words From

• thor·ough·ly adverb
• thor·ough·ness noun
• qua·si-thor·ough adjective
• qua·si-thor·ough·ly adverb
• su·per·thor·ough adjective
• su·per·thor·ough·ly adverb
• un·thor·ough adjective
• un·thor·ough·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of thorough¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (preposition and adverb); Old English thuruh, variant of thurh through

Word History and Origins

Origin of thorough¹

Old English thurh; related to Old Frisian thruch, Old Saxon thuru, Old High German duruh; see through

Example Sentences

During a heated discussion of the proposed wage boosts, several council members questioned whether an analysis of the economic impact of the wage hike that was commissioned by the city had been thorough enough.

From Los Angeles Times

"We welcome any research into dystonia, but it is crucial that new treatments undergo thorough scrutiny before being considered for widespread use."

From BBC

“By following these specific protocols, the investigation is not compromised and ensures a thorough investigation is presented to their local district attorney’s office for prosecution.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kamarck agreed that the time has come for a thorough review of the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ministry of Justice said: "After thorough consideration, we have unfortunately found no legal basis for the Lord Chancellor to ask the independent Parole Board to reconsider its decision to release Jeffrey Gafoor."

From BBC

Related Words

• accurate
• careful
• complete
• comprehensive
• detailed
• exhaustive
• full
• intensive
• meticulous
• painstaking
• profound