sedulity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “sedulity” mean?
The quality of being diligent, persistent, and hard-working.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being diligent, persistent, and hard-working.
Steady, earnest, and industrious application or effort, often implying a sustained and careful attention to detail over time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a somewhat old-fashioned, bookish, or elevated style.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both British and American English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical texts or very formal academic prose.
Grammar
How to Use “sedulity” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [verb] + with + sedulityThe + sedulity + of + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sedulity” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He worked sedulously on the restoration project for years.
- She sedulously avoided any mention of the controversy.
American English
- The team sedulously compiled data from hundreds of sources.
- He sedulously followed the old recipe to the letter.
adjective
British English
- His sedulous attention to the manuscript uncovered several errors.
- She was a sedulous collector of Victorian ephemera.
American English
- The sedulous researcher left no stone unturned.
- Through sedulous practice, he mastered the technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Diligence' or 'persistence' are standard.
Academic
Possible in very formal historical or literary analysis, but 'assiduity' is more common.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sedulity”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sedulity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sedulity”
- Misspelling as 'seduality' (confusion with 'sensuality').
- Using it in casual conversation where it sounds unnatural and pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and formal. In most contexts, 'diligence' or 'persistence' should be used instead.
The adjective form is 'sedulous'.
It is not recommended, as it would sound overly formal and possibly pretentious. It belongs to a literary or highly formal register.
It comes from the Latin 'sedulus', meaning 'zealous' or 'busy'.
The quality of being diligent, persistent, and hard-working.
Sedulity is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Sedulity: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈdjuːləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈduːləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SEDulous student, showing great SEDulity in their studies.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORK IS A JOURNEY (requiring steady, persistent steps).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'sedulity'?