thorough
UK: ˈθʌrə | US: ˈθɜːroʊ
adj. complete with regard to every detail; exhaustive
adj. performed or written with great care and accuracy
adj. absolute; utter (e.g., "a thorough nuisance")
thorough = thurgh<through> + ough<adjectival suffix>
- thurgh (Old English þurh, meaning "through")
- ough (a Middle English adjectival suffix indicating quality or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "thorough" evolved from Old English þurh, meaning "through," which later merged with the adjectival suffix -ough in Middle English to imply completeness or penetration in all aspects. Over time, it shifted from a literal sense of "going through" to a figurative sense of "leaving no part untouched," emphasizing meticulousness or absoluteness.
She conducted a thorough investigation of the incident.
The report was thorough and well-documented.
He is a thorough professional in his field.
The cleaning crew did a thorough job on the office.
Her thorough understanding of the topic impressed the audience.