rigorous

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Done with great care and attention to detail, so that nothing is missed.

   Grammar: Before a noun or after be: rigorous testing, the testing was rigorous.

   Patterns

   • rigorous in something

   The study used rigorous methods to test the drug.

   She is rigorous in checking every source.

   All products go through rigorous safety checks.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Strict, demanding and sometimes severe.

   Grammar: Often describes training, rules or discipline.

   The athletes follow a rigorous training schedule.

   The school has rigorous rules about attendance.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounformal

   Extremely harsh, as of weather or conditions.

   Grammar: Appears before a noun: a rigorous climate.

   The explorers faced a rigorous winter in the mountains.

Word forms

Common combinations

rigorous testing

The bridge went through rigorous testing.

rigorous standards

The hospital keeps rigorous standards.

rigorous analysis

The paper offers a rigorous analysis of the data.

rigorous training

Soldiers undergo rigorous training.

Synonyms and how they differ

thorough

Means complete and careful, but without the sense of strictness that rigorous carries.

strict

Focuses on following rules firmly, not on accuracy of method.

meticulous

Stresses very close attention to tiny details.

demanding

Means requiring much effort, without suggesting careful method.

Opposites

Word family

rigor noun

strictness or great care

rigorously adverb

in a strict and careful way

rigid adjective

stiff and not flexible

Commonly confused: rigorous or vigorous?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rigorous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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