adj
rigorous
RIH-guh-ruhs
adj
1
Extremely thorough, careful, and exacting.
"The medication went through rigorous testing before release."
2
Harsh or severe.
"They endured a rigorous winter in the mountains."
How to Use Rigorous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVery strict, thorough, and demanding — used for careful processes as well as harsh conditions.
Common pairings
rigorous testing
rigorous training
rigorous standards
Word Forms
more rigorous comparative, most rigorous superlative
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The medication went through _____ testing before release.
Etymology
From Middle French rigoreus, from Late Latin rigōrōsus (\"stiff, inflexible\").