rigid

rigid — adjective

1. describes an object that is stiff and hard, so that it does not bend or change s

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes an object that is stiff and hard, so that it does not bend or change shape when you push or press it.

例句

After years in the sun, the garden hose became rigid and cracked.

become/grow + rigid; change from flexible to firm

A rigid metal frame supports each shelf and does not bend under the weight.

rigid + material noun (metal frame)

同義詞
  • stiff

    less technical than rigid; can describe body parts (stiff neck) instead of materials

  • inflexible

    emphasises inability to bend; also used figuratively

  • hard

    describes surface firmness rather than resistance to bending

  • firm

    weaker than rigid; something firm has some give and is not completely stiff

反義詞
  • flexible

    bends easily without breaking

  • bendable

    can be shaped by hand without damage

文法句型

be + rigid

become/grow + rigid

rigid + noun (material)

用法筆記

Commonly used before nouns for manufactured materials (rigid plastic, rigid metal frame) to describe their firmness. Also frequently appears with 'become' or 'grow' to show a change from flexible to firm, as when soft plastic hardens or paperboard dries out.

常見錯誤

❌The table is made of rigid wood.
✅The table is made of hard wood.
💡'Rigid' is not the usual word for naturally hard materials like wood or stone; use it when a material is expected to stay in a fixed shape and should not bend.
❌I held the rigid book in my hands.
✅I held the hardcover book in my hands.
💡'Rigid' focuses on resistance to bending, not on the cover being hard. If the book cover cannot be bent at all, 'rigid' works; otherwise use 'hard' or 'stiff'.

2. used to describe rules, methods, or people that are very strict and cannot be ch

2.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe rules, methods, or people that are very strict and cannot be changed or influenced by new situations.

例句

The school has rigid rules about what students may wear to class.

collocation: rigid rules / rigid policy

Jabari found his father's views on career choices too rigid to discuss.

pattern: too rigid + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • strict

    neutral tone; describes firm enforcement of rules without the negative judgement of rigid

  • inflexible

    similar meaning, emphasises unwillingness to adapt rather than harshness

  • uncompromising

    often positive in contexts like quality standards; a person who refuses to lower their principles

  • unyielding

    more formal; describes someone who refuses to change position under pressure

反義詞
  • flexible

    willing to change or adapt to new circumstances

  • adaptable

    able to adjust smoothly to different conditions

  • lenient

    not strict; allowing more freedom than expected

文法句型

be + rigid

too rigid + to-infinitive

rigid + noun (rules/policy/views)

rigid about/in + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often combined with 'too' (too rigid) to express criticism of inflexibility. The subject can be an institution, a rule, a method, or a person. Common patterns are 'rigid about + noun phrase' (rigid about deadlines) and 'rigid in + noun phrase' (rigid in their beliefs). This sense carries a mildly negative tone; for neutral descriptions of firm rules, use 'strict' instead.

常見錯誤

❌My teacher is rigid.' (when you just mean she requires homework)
✅My teacher is strict.
💡'Rigid' implies extreme, unreasonable strictness with no room for exceptions. Use 'strict' for normal firm rule-enforcement.
❌We have a rigid plan for the weekend.
✅We have a fixed plan for the weekend.
💡'Rigid' sounds unnecessarily negative for everyday situations. Use 'fixed' or 'set' for neutral schedules.