rigid

rig·id

adj \ˈri-jəd\

Definition of RIGID

1

a : deficient in or devoid of flexibility <rigid price controls> <a rigid bar of metal> b : appearing stiff and unyielding <his face rigid with pain>

2

a : inflexibly set in opinion b : strictly observed <adheres to a rigid schedule>

3

: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent <a rigid disciplinarian>

4

: precise and accurate in procedure <rigid control of the manufacturing process>

5

of an airship : having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework

— rig·id·ly adverb

— rig·id·ness noun

Examples of RIGID

1. The patient's legs were rigid.
2. He is a rigid disciplinarian.

Origin of RIGID

Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rigēre to be stiff

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to RIGID

Synonyms: brassbound, cast-iron, exacting, hard-line, inflexible, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising

Antonyms: flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack

Related Words: close, conscientious, exact, fussy, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, scrupulous, undeviating; adamant, adamantine, determined, dogged, firm, relentless, resolved, single-minded, steadfast, stubborn, tenacious, unbending, unflinching; immovable, implacable, unappeasable, unrelenting, unsparing, unyielding; austere, demanding, flinty, grim, hard, hardened, hard-hearted, harsh, ironbound, severe, stern, tough

Near Antonyms: acquiescent, compliant, compromising, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding; easy, easygoing, gentle, indulgent, kindly, lenient, merciful, mild, pampering, soft, spoiling, tolerant; neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, unfussy

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Synonym Discussion of RIGID

rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern. rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility <rigid rules of conduct>. rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty <the rigorous training of recruits>. strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements <strict enforcement of the law>. stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation <stringent standards of admission>.

Rhymes with RIGID

frigid