Main Entry: rig·id

Pronunciation: \ˈri-jəd\

Function: adjective

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

Date: 15th century

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

synonyms 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>.

synonyms see in addition stiff