- Main Entry:
- 1busy
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈbi-zē\
- Function:
- adjective
- Inflected Form(s):
- busi·er; busi·est
- Etymology:
- Middle English bisy, from Old English bisig; akin to Middle Dutch & Middle Low German besich busy
- Date:
- before 12th century
1 a: engaged in action : occupied b: being in use <found the telephone busy>2: full of activity : bustling <a busy seaport>3: foolishly or intrusively active : meddling4: full of distracting detail <a busy design>
—
busi·ly \ˈbi-zə-lē\ adverb —
busy·ness \ˈbi-zē-nəs\ noun synonyms busy,
industrious,
diligent,
assiduous,
sedulous mean actively engaged or occupied.
busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure
<too busy to spend time with the children>.
industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work
<industrious employees>.
diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit
<very diligent in her pursuit of a degree>.
assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application
<assiduous practice>.
sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application
<a sedulous investigation of the murder>.
