What does 'assiduous' mean?
Assiduous (adjective):
– Showing great care, attention, and persistent effort.
– Marked by consistent, tireless, and dedicated application.
– The kind of energy that makes someone spreadsheet their life—on purpose.

From Latin roots meaning “to sit beside,” assiduous isn’t just about effort—it’s about showing up, sticking with it, and refusing to let go until the job is done. Whether you’re grinding out a novel, color-coding your pantry, or planning a heist with microdrones, assiduous people never quit. (Even when they probably should.)

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode
– The real meaning of assiduous and how it’s different from careful, obsessive, or fastidious.
– Why this word belongs in your vocabulary toolkit for essays, resumes, and inspiration walls.
– How to spot assiduous characters in film and fiction (hello, Hermione Granger and Andy Dufresne).
– Whether assiduousness is a blessing, a curse… or a sign you need a nap.
– When assiduous becomes admirable—and when it crosses into “uh-oh” territory.

Skit Highlights
An over-prepared MI6 agent debates cologne profiles while the target escapes “like Tinkerbell in a windstorm.”
A travel-size bottle of sandalwood sets off a chain of perfectly absurd, overly diligent failures.
“You know what keeps you alive at MI6? Dumb luck and bad aim. Not whatever you just decanted into that atomizer, assiduous twit.”

Listener Challenge
Overachievers: What’s the most assiduous thing you’ve ever done—did it work, or go hilariously sideways?
Writers: Create a character who’s brilliant because they never give up… and also kind of exhausting.
Students: Use assiduous in your next essay to impress your teacher and yourself.
Tag us with #NerdWordThePodcast and show off your hustle.

Links and Resources
Visit NerdWordThePodcast.com for more obscure vocabulary, character-deepening discussion, and overthought satire.
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