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Stiff: meaning, definitions and examples

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stiff

 

[stɪf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physically rigid and not easily bent or moved

Stiff refers to something that is firm, rigid, or not easily bent. It can describe a material, such as a stiff board, or a person's posture, such as standing stiffly. Stiff can also refer to muscles that are tense and not relaxed.

Synonyms

firm, hard, rigid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stiff

Typically used to describe something that is difficult to bend or move. It can refer to physical objects, parts of the body, or even behavior (like formal and not relaxed). The term can sometimes have a negative connotation when referring to people's mannerisms.

  • After sitting for hours, my legs felt stiff and hard to move.
  • The stiff fabric made the dress uncomfortable to wear.
  • He greeted me with a stiff handshake.
rigid

Best used to describe something that is physically or figuratively inflexible. It often implies an inability to change or adapt and can have a negative connotation when referring to people, rules, or systems.

  • The plastic became rigid in the cold weather.
  • His rigid adherence to the rules made him unpopular.
  • The company has a rigid structure that stifles creativity.
firm

Often describes something solid and not likely to change shape under pressure. It can refer to substances, objects, or abstract concepts like beliefs or attitudes. This word usually carries a positive connotation and implies stability and strength.

  • The mattress is firm, which is good for back support.
  • He has a firm belief in justice.
  • They shook hands with a firm grip.
hard

Used to describe something that is solid and resistant to pressure. It can also refer to a strenuous activity or a difficult situation. The term is versatile and can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation.

  • The rock is very hard and difficult to break.
  • It was a hard exam, but I managed to pass it.
  • She worked hard to achieve her goals.

Examples of usage

  • The old book's pages had become stiff with age.
  • She stood with stiff posture, her back straight and rigid.
  • After the workout, his muscles felt stiff and sore.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that is not easily bent or moved

Stiff can also be used as an adverb to describe an action done in a way that is not easily bent or moved. It indicates a lack of flexibility or fluidity in movement.

Synonyms

firmly, rigidly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stiff

Used to describe something that is not easily bent or changed. It can also refer to feelings or behaviors that are inflexible or formal.

  • The new shoes felt very stiff and uncomfortable.
  • His writing style is rather stiff and lacks fluidity.
  • She greeted him with a stiff smile, showing her discomfort.
rigidly

Used to describe something that is completely inflexible or unchangeable. It often has a negative connotation, implying a lack of adaptability.

  • The rules were applied rigidly, leaving no room for exceptions.
  • He rigidly adhered to his routine, refusing to make any changes.
  • The rigidly structured schedule left no time for relaxation.
firmly

Used when describing actions done with strength or determination. It can refer to both physical actions and decisions or beliefs that are unwavering.

  • She held his hand firmly as they walked through the crowd.
  • He firmly believes in the importance of education.
  • The director firmly rejected the proposal.

Examples of usage

  • He walked stiffly after the injury.
  • She held the umbrella stiffly against the wind.
Context #3 | Noun

a dead body

In slang or informal usage, stiff can refer to a dead body. This term is often used in detective novels or crime dramas.

Synonyms

body, corpse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stiff

This word is often used in a casual or slang context to refer to a dead body. It has a somewhat disrespectful or joking connotation.

  • The detective found a stiff in the alley last night.
  • They dumped the stiff in the river.
corpse

This word is formal and often used in more official or medical contexts to describe a dead body. It can have a slight clinical or cold feel.

  • The forensic team examined the corpse for any signs of foul play.
  • It took hours to identify the corpse found in the abandoned building.
body

This is a neutral term commonly used in formal and informal contexts to refer to a human corpse. It is an appropriate word to use in most situations.

  • The body was discovered early in the morning.
  • Police secured the area where the body was found.

Examples of usage

  • The detective found the stiff in the abandoned warehouse.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'styrf', meaning 'stiff, rigid'.
  • It is related to the German word 'steif', which means 'rigid', showing a common root in Germanic languages.
  • The term began to be used in English around the 14th century.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of dance, a stiff dancer often lacks fluidity, which can lead to less engaging performances.
  • Popular songs often use the term to describe emotions, like feeling 'stiff' after a breakup, indicating a sense of emotional rigidity.
  • In comedy, a 'stiff' character might be someone who follows all the rules and doesn't allow for fun.

Science

  • In physics, stiffness refers to the rigidity of material—how much it resists deformation.
  • Materials like rubber have low stiffness, while metals generally have high stiffness, affecting their applications.
  • In biology, a stiff person may indicate muscle rigidity, which can be a symptom of various medical conditions.

Psychology

  • Stiffness can metaphorically describe someone's unwillingness to adapt their thoughts or behavior in social situations.
  • A 'stiff' response in a conversation might indicate discomfort or tension, suggesting psychological barriers.
  • In stress contexts, people may describe feeling 'stiff' or tense, which represents physiological stress reactions.

Sports

  • Athletes often refer to 'stiff' muscles after intense workouts, indicating soreness and reduced flexibility.
  • In team sports, a stiff player may struggle to adjust quickly to changing plays, impacting performance.
  • Yoga practices often focus on reducing stiffness through stretching, promoting flexibility and relaxation.

Translations

Translations of the word "stiff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rígido

🇮🇳 कठोर

🇩🇪 steif

🇮🇩 kaku

🇺🇦 жорсткий

🇵🇱 sztywny

🇯🇵 硬い

🇫🇷 rigide

🇪🇸 rígido

🇹🇷 sert

🇰🇷 경직된

🇸🇦 صلب

🇨🇿 tuhý

🇸🇰 tuhý

🇨🇳 僵硬的

🇸🇮 tog

🇮🇸 stífur

🇰🇿 қатты

🇬🇪 მკვრივე

🇦🇿 sərt

🇲🇽 rígido

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,976 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.