rigid
Describes something that is physically stiff and does not bend easily, or a person/system that is fixed and unwilling to change. It often implies a lack of flexibility or adaptability in rules, structures, or behavior.
Examples
3 of 5The plastic became rigid and brittle after being left out in the freezing cold.
The material turned hard and stiff due to the low temperature.
The university maintains rigid academic standards to ensure the quality of its degrees.
The school follows very strict and unchanging rules for its curriculum.
You need to relax; you're being too rigid about our weekend plans.
Stop being so stubborn and inflexible regarding what we do on our days off.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bridge' (which sounds like the 'ridg' in rigid). A bridge must be rigid so it doesn't collapse when cars drive over it.
Quick Quiz
The manager's _______ refusal to compromise led to a strike by the workers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: rigid
Examples
The plastic became rigid and brittle after being left out in the freezing cold.
everydayThe material turned hard and stiff due to the low temperature.
The university maintains rigid academic standards to ensure the quality of its degrees.
formalThe school follows very strict and unchanging rules for its curriculum.
You need to relax; you're being too rigid about our weekend plans.
informalStop being so stubborn and inflexible regarding what we do on our days off.
In this model, the earth's crust is treated as a rigid plate floating on a semi-fluid mantle.
academicScientific theories view the outer layer as a solid, non-bending piece.
The company’s rigid hierarchy prevents entry-level employees from speaking directly to the CEO.
businessThe corporate structure is so fixed that low-level staff cannot communicate with the top boss.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
rigid as a board
completely stiff and unable to move or bend
rigid discipline
very strict control or training
rigid boundary
a fixed limit that is not allowed to be crossed
Often Confused With
Rigid means stiff or inflexible, while rigorous means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.
Stiff is more commonly used for physical sensations (stiff muscles), while rigid is more common for formal rules or engineering.
Usage Notes
Use 'rigid' when you want to emphasize that something cannot bend without breaking, or when a person is being intentionally difficult by refusing to change their mind.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'rigid' as a verb; remember that 'rigidify' is the verb form, though it is less common than using 'become rigid'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bridge' (which sounds like the 'ridg' in rigid). A bridge must be rigid so it doesn't collapse when cars drive over it.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'rigere', which means 'to be stiff'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The manager's _______ refusal to compromise led to a strike by the workers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: rigid
Related Grammar Rules
Related Words
unformible
C1A noun referring to an entity, substance, or abstract concept that resists being shaped, structured, or categorized into a standard mold. It is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to describe something inherently chaotic or unstructured that defies traditional organization.
overpedery
C1Describes a state or quality of being excessively concerned with minor details, formal rules, or displaying academic knowledge in a tedious way. It is typically used to criticize someone for being 'too much of a pedant' in their approach to a task or subject.
entractery
C1Describing something that occurs during or pertains to an intermission or the interval between main acts of a performance. It is often used to characterize supplementary entertainment, music, or transitional activities that fill the gap between primary events.
nonceddom
C1To designate or treat an entity, such as a word or a technical variable, as a temporary 'nonce' item created for a single, specific occasion. It involves isolating a concept so it does not become a permanent part of a system or vocabulary.
misvertible
C1To incorrectly convert, transpose, or invert a sequence, data set, or logical statement. This verb describes the specific act of failing to maintain accuracy during a transformation process, resulting in a flawed output.
perivestance
C1The state or act of surrounding an object or entity, often providing a protective, decorative, or atmospheric layer. It refers to the encompassing environment or the 'clothing' of a central core with external elements.
obscribic
C1To write over existing text or markings in order to conceal, invalidate, or replace them. It specifically refers to the act of using new writing to obscure what was previously written on a surface.
abflexism
C1To consciously or unconsciously contract the abdominal muscles and core as a response to physical or psychological stressors. This verb describes the act of adopting a rigid internal posture to display strength, maintain stability, or resist external pressure.
interarchship
C1Relating to the structural or functional relationship existing between two dental or physiological arches, typically the upper and lower jaws. It describes the state of alignment, spacing, and interaction between these opposing structures in a clinical or biological context.
trimarship
C1Describing a state of balanced three-way coordination or a structure characterized by tripartite leadership. It is typically used to define systems where three distinct entities share equal power or responsibility to maintain stability.
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