thorough

 
Pronunciation: /ˈθʌrə/

adjective

  • complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial: planners need a thorough understanding of the subject
  • performed or written with great care and completeness: officers have made a thorough examination of the wreckage
  • taking pains to do something carefully and completely: the British authorities are very thorough
  • [attributive] British absolute (used to emphasize the degree of something, typically something unwelcome or unpleasant): the child is being a thorough nuisance

Derivatives

thoroughness

noun

Origin:

Old English thuruh, alteration of thurh 'through'. Original use was as an adverb and preposition, in senses of through. The adjective dates from the late 15th century, when it also had the sense 'that goes or extends through something', surviving in thoroughfare

Do not confuse thorough with through. Thorough means 'done with great care and completeness' ( officers made a thorough examination of the wreckage), whereas through means 'in one side and out the other' ( she stepped boldly through the door).