adj.
Pronunciation: ' ri-j ə d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English rigide, from Latin rigidus, from rig ē re 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>. synonym see in addition STIFF