painstaking
/ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ/
Group 22Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Done with or employing great care and thoroughness GRE
Example in Context
The restorer's painstaking work over several years returned the faded masterpiece to something approaching its original brilliance.
Synonyms
carefulthoroughmeticulous
Etymology
Employing great care and effort, often with great difficulty.
- pain (Old French) — care
- taking (English) — to employ
Memory Aid
🦷Sounds like “pain staking”
A dentist saying, 'This is PAIN STAKING work — but look at this perfect tooth!'
Visual Association
🔍An artist meticulously painting a tiny detail on a canvas with a magnifying glass, fully focused.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “painstaking” mean on the GRE?
painstaking (adjective) means “Done with or employing great care and thoroughness”. The restorer's painstaking work over several years returned the faded masterpiece to something approaching its original brilliance.
How to remember “painstaking” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “painstaking” sounds like “pain staking”. A dentist saying, 'This is PAIN STAKING work — but look at this perfect tooth!'
What are synonyms for “painstaking”?
Common synonyms: careful, thorough, meticulous.