rigid

/ˈrɪdʒɪd/
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Unable to bend, move, or change easily.

Examples

  • The school abandoned its rigid timetable.
  • The plastic becomes rigid when it cools.
  • A rigid approach leaves no room for unusual cases.
  • She was not rigid about changing the plan.
  • His shoulders felt rigid after the long drive.

Similar words

inflexible
unyielding
fixed
stiff
strict
unbending

Meanings

Stiff or inflexible

adjective
everyday
neutral
Unable to bend or move easily, or fixed so firmly that change and adaptation are difficult.

Examples

  • The plastic becomes rigid when it cools.
  • His shoulders felt rigid after the long drive.
  • The school abandoned its rigid timetable.
  • A rigid approach leaves no room for unusual cases.
  • Why are the safety rules so rigid?
  • She was not rigid about changing the plan.

Similar words

Etymology

Came into English from Latin rigidus, meaning stiff or hard, from rigere, meaning to be stiff.

FAQ

What does rigid mean?

Rigid means unable to bend or move easily, or too firmly fixed to change readily.

Can rigid describe rules and plans?

Yes. Rigid rules or plans allow little change or adaptation.

What is the opposite of rigid?

Flexible is the most common opposite of rigid.

Is rigid the same as strict?

They overlap for rules, but rigid stresses resistance to change while strict stresses close enforcement.

How is rigid pronounced?

In General American English, rigid is pronounced /ˈrɪdʒɪd/.

Where does rigid come from?

Rigid comes from Latin rigidus, meaning stiff or hard.

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