THOROUGH

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does thorough mean? 

• THOROUGH (adjective)
  The adjective THOROUGH has 3 senses:

1. painstakingly careful and accurate

2. performed comprehensively and completely; not superficial or partial

3. without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers

  Familiarity information: THOROUGH used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THOROUGH (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Painstakingly careful and accurate

Context example:

thorough research

Similar:

careful (exercising caution or showing care or attention)

Derivation:

thoroughness (conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Performed comprehensively and completely; not superficial or partial

Synonyms:

exhaustive; thorough; thoroughgoing

Context example:

thoroughgoing research

Similar:

complete (having every necessary or normal part or component or step)

Derivation:

thoroughness (conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers

Synonyms:

arrant; complete; consummate; double-dyed; everlasting; gross; perfect; pure; sodding; staring; stark; thorough; thoroughgoing; unadulterated; utter

Context example:

the unadulterated truth

Similar:

unmitigated (not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier)

 Context examples 

And that excellent Miss Bates!—such thorough worthy people!

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

A morning of thorough confusion was to be expected.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

“And now I think that we are in a position to undertake a thorough examination of the room.”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The bacteria is highly contagious and is spread thorough close contact with the victims.

(Experts Link Fatal Mystery Illness in Liberia to Meningitis Bacteria, VOA)

Grant does shew a thorough confidence in my sister, and a certain consideration for her judgment, which makes one feel there is attachment; but of that I shall see nothing with the Frasers.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

The week’s rest had recuperated the dogs and put them in thorough trim.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Your ruler Pluto will give you the impetus to conduct thorough research.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

You must get a thorough education, was the answer, whether or not you ultimately become a writer.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

I let him take the helm, while the rest began thorough search, all keeping abreast, with lanterns: we left no corner unsearched.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

A most thorough and satisfactory demonstration!

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)