painstaking - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
painstaking Word Meanings
- requiring a lot of care and effort
- done with a lot of attention to detail
- meticulously careful
painstaking Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
painstaking Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpeɪn.steɪ.kɪŋ/
US
/ˈpeɪnˌsteɪ.kɪŋ/
painstaking Word Etymology
Root: pain + staking (from 'stake' meaning to 'put forth'). Origin: Middle English. Memory: Picture someone painstakingly assembling a detailed model, putting each piece in place with great care, as if staked or secured for perfection.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Painstaking describes work done with exacting care and a strong focus on precision. It implies time, effort, and repeated attention to small details in order to achieve a high-quality result. You might speak of a painstaking edit of a manuscript, a painstaking restoration of a painting, or a painstaking search for clues in an investigation. The sense is not just careful, but phenomenally thorough, often going beyond what is merely adequate. Note that 'painstaking' is an adjective; its adverb form is 'painstakingly'. The metaphorical 'pain' here signals effort, not physical pain. Etymology hints at a process of staking or securing accuracy through devotion.
Usage Reminders
- - Painstaking is stronger than simply careful; use before a noun (a painstaking process) or with a verb (painstakingly edit).
- - Do not confuse with painful, which describes physical or emotional pain.
- - Use painstakingly as the adverb: she edited the report painstakingly.
- - Commonly collocates with editing, restoration, inspection, and research.
- - It implies thoroughness and time, not quickness or ease.
Common Misconceptions
- It means painful or causes physical discomfort.
- It only applies to long, slow tasks and nothing else.
- It can replace 'careful' in all contexts without nuance.
- It describes emotion rather than action.
- It is used primarily by editors and researchers.
Thinking Differences
In English, painstaking foregrounds thorough, time-consuming work and a sense of devotion to quality. Learners often think it means simply being careful, but it signals an unusually high level of diligence and a willingness to endure tedium. Remember the adverb form - painstakingly.
Learning Tips
- Link the word to a vivid image of long, careful assembly.
- Practice by rewriting a paragraph, focusing on every comma and detail.
- Notice common collocations like 'painstaking edit' or 'painstaking restoration'.
- Use the adverb form painstakingly to describe how you did something.
- Compare with 'careful' and note the intensity difference.
- Create short flashcards with example sentences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'painstaking'?
A.Careful
B.Easy
C.Lazy
D.Quick
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'painstaking' used correctly?
A.They completed the task without putting in much effort.
B.He finished the project quickly without much attention to detail.
C.I always do my homework in a careless and haphazard manner.
D.She took a painstaking approach to organizing her book collection.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'painstaking'?
A.Rapid
B.Sloppy
C.Negligent
D.Thorough
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'painstaking'?
A.Meticulous
B.Careless
C.Attentive
D.Diligent
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone need to be painstaking?
A.Baking a cake and following the recipe precisely
B.Doing laundry in a rush and mixing all the clothes together
C.Driving a car recklessly without following traffic rules
D.Writing a casual email without checking for errors
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App