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adj Uncommon

rigid

RIHJ-ihd

Rigid (adj) means Stiff and not easily bent. Example: “The frame is made of rigid steel tubing.”

adj
1
Stiff and not easily bent.
"The frame is made of rigid steel tubing."
2
Unwilling to change; strict and inflexible in behaviour or rules.
"Her rigid schedule left no room for surprises."
"He has a rigid view of how things should be done."

How to use rigid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPhysically stiff, or figuratively inflexible in attitude or rules.

Common pairings
rigid structure rigid rules rigid discipline

Word forms

rigider comparative, more rigid comparative, rigids plural, rigidest superlative, most rigid superlative

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Test yourself on “rigid” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The frame is made of _____ steel tubing.

Etymology

From Latin rigidus (\"stiff\"), from rigeō (\"to be stiff\").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for rigid

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rigid” mean?

The word “rigid” means stiff and not easily bent. In plain terms, physically stiff, or figuratively inflexible in attitude or rules.

How do you pronounce “rigid”?

“Rigid” is pronounced RIHJ-ihd (/ˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “rigid” in a sentence?

Here is “rigid” used in a sentence: “The frame is made of rigid steel tubing.”

What is another word for “rigid”?

Words with a similar meaning to “rigid” include Zeppelin.

What part of speech is “rigid”?

“Rigid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “rigid” come from?

The word “rigid” comes from Latin. From Latin rigidus (\"stiff\"), from rigeō (\"to be stiff\").

Is “rigid” a common word?

“Rigid” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rigid” have?

“Rigid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: stiff and not easily bent.

What is the difference between rigid and stiff?

Rigid and stiff both describe something that is not easily bent, but rigid more strongly implies a complete inability to bend or flex. Rigid is also commonly used figuratively for people or rules that are unwilling to change, a sense stiff shares less often.

What is the difference between rigid and strict?

Rigid describes behaviour or rules that are inflexible and resistant to any change. Strict emphasizes firm enforcement of rules, while rigid emphasizes an unwillingness to adapt or bend at all.

Can rigid describe both people and objects?

Yes. Rigid can describe a physical object that is stiff and does not bend, and it can also describe a person's behaviour when they are strict and inflexible about rules or habits.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial