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

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

If you do have symptoms, then yes, it could be time for biomarker tests, but only after thorough cognitive testing and a complete review of your medical history.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheriff’s deputies and bomb squad members conducted a thorough search and found no explosives, according to the registrar.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, the JC said it conducted a "thorough investigation" into one of its freelance journalists, Elon Perry, "after allegations were made about aspects of his record".

From BBC

Related Words

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