Meaning & use
rigidly
Last updated
Meanings
adverb
In a way that is stiff and not able to bend.
Grammar: Used to describe physical stiffness, often with verbs like hold, fix, or set.
Patterns
- hold something rigidly
- be rigidly fixed
The metal bar was rigidly fixed to the wall.
She held her back rigidly straight during the ceremony.
The tent poles are rigidly connected, so the tent won't collapse.
adverb
In a strict or unchanging way; without flexibility.
Grammar: Often used with verbs like enforce, apply, or adhere to, showing a lack of compromise.
Patterns
- rigidly enforce something
- rigidly adhere to something
- be rigidly controlled
The school rigidly enforces its dress code.
He rigidly follows the same routine every morning.
The rules were rigidly applied, with no exceptions.
Common combinations
- rigidly enforced
- The law is rigidly enforced in this country.
- rigidly structured
- The course is rigidly structured, with no room for choice.
- rigidly defined
- The roles are rigidly defined in this company.
- rigidly opposed
- The two groups are rigidly opposed to any change.
Synonyms and how they differ
- strictly
- Focuses on rules and discipline; rigidly often implies a lack of flexibility in physical or abstract things.
- inflexibly
- Similar but more formal; rigidly is more common in everyday descriptions of stiffness or strictness.
- stiffly
- Used more for physical movement or manner; rigidly emphasizes unchangeable structure.
Opposites
Word family
- rigid adjective
- Stiff or strict; not able to bend or change.
- rigidity noun
- The quality of being stiff or strictly fixed.
- rigidness noun
- Another word for rigidity, less common.
Practice
Choose the correct word: The rules were ______ enforced, leaving no room for creativity.
Choose one answer.
The adverb 'rigidly' modifies the verb 'enforced'. 'Rigid' is an adjective and cannot modify a verb; 'rigidity' and 'rigidness' are nouns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “rigidly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.