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rigid

/ˈrɪdʒɪd/
/ˈrɪdʒɪd/
IPA guide

Other forms: rigider; rigidest

Describe something as rigid if it's really stiff and not very flexible, like a super-strict practice schedule or an unbending, uncomfortable mattress.

The adjective rigid is actually related to the Latin word frigus, which means “cold.” So think of a rigid icicle or a rock-hard igloo to help you remember what rigid means. You can also use it to describe something that's particularly strict or unable to change, like the stubborn views of a person who just won't consider another perspective.

Definitions of rigid
  1. adjective
    incapable of or resistant to bending
    “a rigid strip of metal”
    “a table made of rigid plastic”
    synonyms: stiff
    inflexible
    resistant to being bent
  2. adjective
    fixed and unmoving
    “a face rigid with pain”
    synonyms: fixed, set
    nonmoving, unmoving
    not in motion
  3. adjective
    incapable of compromise or flexibility
    synonyms: strict
    intolerant
    unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion
  4. adjective
    incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
    “a rigid disciplinarian”
    synonyms: inflexible, unbending
    unadaptable
    not adaptable
  5. adjective
    designating an airship or dirigible having a form maintained by a stiff unyielding frame or structure
    synonyms:
    semirigid
    having a form maintained by a rigid internal structure as well as by internal gas pressure
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    nonrigid
    designating an airship having a shape maintained only by internal gas pressure and without a supporting structure
Pronunciation
US
/ˈrɪdʒɪd/
UK
/ˈrɪdʒɪd/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘rigid'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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