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thorough
When using "thorough" to describe a process, it means that no detail was missed. It is often used in professional contexts like medicine, law, or cleaning. Be careful not to confuse this word with "through" (moving from one side to another) or "though" (despite the fact). They look similar but have completely different meanings. In the sense of "absolute," it is often used to emphasize a negative quality, such as being a "thorough disappointment."
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is checking in on Ryan regarding a shared apartment cleaning list.
Maya
Did you actually scrub the kitchen or just wing it?
Ryan
I was thorough. I even got the baseboards.
💡
Maya uses the phrasal verb 'wing it' (to do something without preparation or care), which sets up the contrast for Ryan's use of 'thorough'. The tension reflects Maya's skepticism of Ryan's effort and his attempt to prove he didn't slack off.