conscientious

[ kon-shee-en-shuhs, kon-see- ]

adjective

1. governed by conscience; controlled by or done according to one's inner sense of what is right; principled:

   She's a conscientious judge, who does not let personal prejudices influence her decisions.

   Synonyms: dedicated, devoted, faithful, honest, upright, just

2. careful and painstaking; particular; meticulous; scrupulous:

   conscientious application to the work at hand.

conscientious

/ ˌkɒnʃɪˈɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. involving or taking great care; painstaking; diligent
2. governed by or done according to conscience

Derived Forms

• ˌconsciˈentiousness, noun
• ˌconsciˈentiously, adverb

Other Word Forms

• consci·entious·ly adverb
• consci·entious·ness noun
• hyper·consci·entious adjective
• hyper·consci·entious·ly adverb
• hyper·consci·entious·ness noun
• over·consci·entious adjective
• over·consci·entious·ly adverb
• uncon·sci·entious adjective
• uncon·sci·entious·ly adverb
• uncon·sci·entious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscientious¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin conscientiōsus, equivalent to Latin conscienti(a) conscience + -ōsus -ous

Synonym Study

See painstaking.

Example Sentences

But he told Warner: "I accept you are deeply committed to the cause you support and your motive is conscientious."

From BBC

Politicians also supported an opt-in system and conscientious objection option for health care professionals.

From BBC

Noyb said in its complaint that Mr Holmen "has never been accused nor convicted of any crime and is a conscientious citizen."

From BBC

Most states require that children receive the MMR vaccine to attend school, but many, including Texas, also allow families to file a conscientious exemption - a non-medical reason to refuse a vaccine requirement.

From BBC

Despite his young age, Gareth was a "diligent, conscientious and humble young man who approached everything he did with a sense of care and precision", she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• honest
• honorable
• principled
• responsible
• scrupulous
• strict