Arduous vs. Assiduous — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Arduous" describes tasks or journeys that are extremely difficult and require significant effort, whereas "assiduous" refers to someone who is very diligent and persistent in their efforts.
Difference Between Arduous and Assiduous
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Key Differences
"Arduous" is used to describe an activity that is strenuous and challenging, often requiring substantial physical or mental effort. On the other hand, "assiduous" characterizes the approach or manner in which someone undertakes a task, specifically highlighting their meticulous and persistent effort.
An arduous task might include climbing a steep mountain or completing a complex project under tight deadlines. In contrast, an assiduous person would approach such tasks with careful attention to detail and unwavering perseverance.
While the term "arduous" focuses on the difficulty of the task itself, "assiduous" is more about the commendable qualities of the person tackling the task, such as diligence and thoroughness.
Tasks described as arduous are typically seen as burdensome and taxing, possibly causing weariness or exhaustion. Whereas, describing someone as assiduous often carries a positive connotation, suggesting virtue and admirable work ethic.
In literature, an arduous journey might be used to develop a character’s resilience, while an assiduous character could be portrayed as a meticulous planner or a devoted worker, demonstrating the different narrative roles these adjectives serve.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Involving or requiring strenuous effort
Showing great care and perseverance
Focus
On the task itself
On the person’s approach to a task
Connotation
Often negative (difficulty)
Positive (diligence)
Type of effort implied
Physical or mental exertion
Persistence, attention to detail
Usage in narrative
To highlight challenge or endurance
To highlight diligence or precision
Compare with Definitions
Arduous
Hard to accomplish or achieve.
The arduous process of learning a new language.
Assiduous
Meticulous or careful.
Her assiduous planning ensured the event went smoothly.
Arduous
Physically or mentally exhausting.
The construction workers faced an arduous day ahead.
Assiduous
Showing great care and perseverance.
She was assiduous in her efforts to master the violin.
Arduous
Marked by great labor or effort.
The arduous journey to the summit was worth the view.
Assiduous
Constant in application or attention.
His assiduous study habits earned him top marks.
Arduous
Involving strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
The arduous trek through the mountains took two days.
Assiduous
Diligently attentive.
The assiduous researcher checked every detail.
Arduous
Requiring considerable physical or mental effort.
Completing the puzzle was an arduous task.
Assiduous
Persistent and hard-working.
He was assiduous in his pursuit of justice.
Arduous
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
An arduous journey
Assiduous
Showing great care and perseverance
She was assiduous in pointing out every feature
Arduous
Demanding great effort or labor; difficult
"the arduous work of preparing a Dictionary of the English Language" (Thomas Macaulay).
Assiduous
Showing or characterized by persistent attention or untiring application
An assiduous worker who strove for perfection.
Did assiduous research before writing the book.
Arduous
Testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous
A long, arduous, and exhausting war.
Assiduous
Hard-working, diligent or regular (in attendance or work); industrious.
Arduous
Hard to traverse, climb, or surmount.
Assiduous
Constant in application or attention; devoted; attentive; unremitting.
She grows more assiduous in her attendance.
Arduous
Needing or using up much energy; testing powers of endurance.
The movement towards a peaceful settlement has been a long and arduous political struggle.
Assiduous
Performed with constant diligence or attention; unremitting; persistent; as, assiduous labor.
To weary him with my assiduous cries.
Arduous
(obsolete) burning; ardent
Assiduous
Marked by care and persistent effort;
Her assiduous attempts to learn French
Assiduous research
Sedulous pursuit of legal and moral principles
Arduous
Difficult or exhausting to traverse.
Arduous
Steep and lofty, in a literal sense; hard to climb.
Those arduous paths they trod.
Arduous
Attended with great labor, like the ascending of acclivities; difficult; laborious; as, an arduous employment, task, or enterprise.
Arduous
Characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort;
Worked their arduous way up the mining valley
A grueling campaign
Hard labor
Heavy work
Heavy going
Spent many laborious hours on the project
Set a punishing pace
Arduous
Taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance;
His final, straining burst of speed
A strenuous task
Your willingness after these six arduous days to remain here
Arduous
Difficult to accomplish; demanding considerable mental effort and skill;
The arduous work of preparing a dictionary
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between "arduous" and "assiduous"?
"Arduous" refers to the difficult nature of tasks, while "assiduous" describes the diligent manner of a person.
Can a person be described as arduous?
No, "arduous" is typically used to describe tasks or challenges, not people.
Is "assiduous" a compliment?
Yes, describing someone as assiduous is generally a compliment, indicating hard work and dedication.
What types of tasks are typically called arduous?
Tasks that are very demanding, physically or mentally, such as climbing mountains or complex problem-solving.
How can one become more assiduous?
By developing qualities like diligence, thoroughness, and a consistent work ethic.
Can "assiduous" apply to group efforts?
Yes, a team can collectively be described as assiduous in their collaborative approach.
Are arduous tasks always negative experiences?
Not necessarily; they can be rewarding and character-building despite their difficulty.
What is a good synonym for "arduous"?
"Strenuous" or "laborious" are good synonyms.
What is a good synonym for "assiduous"?
"Diligent" or "meticulous" are suitable synonyms.
Does "assiduous" imply success in tasks?
It implies a high level of effort and attention, which often leads to success, though not guaranteed.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
