Meaning & use
rigorous classes
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Meaning
nounplural
Courses or classes that are very demanding and require a lot of effort, often with high academic standards.
Grammar: Plural noun phrase; takes plural verbs: rigorous classes are challenging. Singular: a rigorous class.
Patterns
- take rigorous classes
- offer rigorous classes
- rigorous classes in something
She took rigorous classes in math and science to prepare for college.
The school is known for its rigorous classes and high expectations.
Many students find rigorous classes stressful but rewarding.
Word forms
| singular | rigorous class |
|---|
Common combinations
- take rigorous classes
- He decided to take rigorous classes to challenge himself.
- offer rigorous classes
- The university offers rigorous classes in engineering.
- a rigorous course load
- She managed a rigorous course load while working part-time.
- academically rigorous classes
- The program is known for its academically rigorous classes.
Synonyms and how they differ
- challenging classes
- Similar but less formal; 'rigorous' emphasizes strict standards and thoroughness.
- demanding classes
- Focuses on the effort required; 'rigorous' also implies high quality and precision.
Opposites
Word family
- rigor noun
- The quality of being thorough and demanding.
- rigorously adverb
- In a thorough and demanding way.
Commonly confused: rigorous classes or vigorous?
rigorous classes vs vigorous
Means strong and energetic; 'rigorous' means strict and demanding. They are not interchangeable.
Practice
What does 'rigorous classes' mean?
Choose one answer.
'Rigorous' means very demanding and thorough, so 'rigorous classes' are challenging and require hard work. They are not necessarily optional or only for advanced students.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “rigorous classes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.