Rigidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rigidity
[rษชหdสษชdษti ]
Definitions
in behavior
The quality or state of being rigid; rigor mortis: the state of being stiff and inflexible. In behavior, rigidity refers to an unwillingness to change or adapt, often associated with stubbornness and resistance to new ideas or perspectives.
Synonyms
inflexibility, stiffness, stubbornness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rigidity |
Applicable in formal or technical settings to describe strict or unyielding properties, often in a physical or structural context.
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| stiffness |
Typically describes physical resistance to movement or flexibility, can be used in both literal physical contexts or to describe formal behaviors and attitudes.
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| inflexibility |
Used to describe an unwillingness to adapt or change, often in terms of policies, rules, or personal attitudes, and may carry a slightly negative connotation.
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| stubbornness |
This word describes a strong unwillingness to change opinions or actions, often seen in a negative light, highlighting someone's refusal to listen to reason or adapt.
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Examples of usage
- He exhibited a certain rigidity in his beliefs, refusing to consider any alternative viewpoints.
- Her rigidity in following the rules made her unpopular among her colleagues.
- The rigidity of his thinking prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.
in material
The resistance of a material to bending or deforming; the ability of a material to maintain its shape under stress. In material science, rigidity is a measure of the stiffness and strength of a material.
Synonyms
resistance, stiffness, strength.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rigidity |
This word is often used to describe something that is hard, inflexible, or not able to be bent. It can also refer to a lack of flexibility in thinking or policies.
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| stiffness |
This term is used to describe something that is not easily bent or changed in shape. It can also refer to a lack of ease or fluidity in movement, either physically or metaphorically.
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| strength |
Strength generally refers to the ability to withstand forces, pressure, or wear. It can be physical, emotional, or moral.
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| resistance |
Resistance is commonly used to refer to the act of opposing or standing against something. It can apply to physical force, social movements, or even emotional reluctance.
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Examples of usage
- The rigidity of the steel beam allowed it to support heavy loads without bending.
- The rigidity of the plastic casing protected the delicate electronics inside.
- The rigidity of the material was crucial for the stability of the structure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Rigidity in thinking can limit problem-solving abilities, making it hard for individuals to adapt to new situations.
- Cognitive rigidity is often associated with certain psychological conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorders.
- People showing high levels of rigidity may struggle with accepting change or alternative viewpoints, often having a preference for routine.
Physics
- In physics, rigidity describes how solid objects respond to force, with rigid bodies maintaining their shape under tension or compression.
- Materials like metals often exhibit rigidity at normal temperatures but can become flexible at high temperatures.
- Elasticity is the counterpart to rigidity; while rigid objects resist change in shape, elastic objects return to their original form after being deformed.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, rigidity in social structures can lead to conflicts when individuals seek to challenge traditional norms.
- Certain philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism, advocate for mental flexibility, contrasting with rigid thought processes that can cause suffering.
- The concept of rigidity vs. adaptability is a frequent theme in literature, often representing characters who struggle against the confines of their upbringing.
Education
- In classrooms, rigid teaching methods can stifle creativity, while flexible approaches encourage critical thinking and student engagement.
- Education techniques embracing flexibility and adaptability often lead to better outcomes for students, fostering an environment receptive to change.
- High-stakes testing systems can promote rigidity in education, pressuring teachers to stick strictly to the curriculum.
Origin of 'rigidity'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'rigiditas', which means stiffness or hardness.
- It started being used in English around the early 15th century to describe inflexibility in physical objects and behavior.
- Related words include 'rigid' and 'rigor', both stemming from the same Latin root, showcasing similar themes of firmness.
The word 'rigidity' originated from the Latin word 'rigidus', which means stiff or unyielding. The concept of rigidity has been explored in various fields such as physics, engineering, and psychology. In physics, rigidity is related to the resistance of an object to deformation. In psychology, rigidity is often associated with personality traits such as stubbornness and resistance to change. The term has been used since the 16th century to describe the quality of being stiff or inflexible.