Word of the Day: PAINSTAKING

So careful it hurts

painstaking (adj) - done with great care, diligence, and thoroughness [peynz-tey-king]

BREAKDOWN: Painstaking is the kind of word that basically defines itself when you look at it the right way: pains-taking, as in taking pains to perform exceptional or meticulous work. Interestingly, the components of this word derive from different languages. Pain can be traced from French to Latin to the Greek poinē meaning retribution and the root PEN- (to regret or atone). Take, on the other hand, comes from Proto Germanic and the root TAK- (to take).

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

If you like the word, you’ll love the throw pillow ;)

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]