rigidly

rigidly — adverb

1. in a way that stays completely stiff, without bending or changing position when

1.副詞B2
釋義

in a way that stays completely stiff, without bending or changing position when pressure or force is applied.

例句

Sana held her arm rigidly straight as the nurse cleaned the wound.

rigidly + adjective describing posture

The wooden door was stuck rigidly in its frame so nobody could push it open.

passive: be stuck rigidly (position)

同義詞
  • stiffly

    most direct synonym for physical rigidity; interchangeable in most physical contexts

  • inflexibly

    slightly broader — can describe both material and human behaviour, but works here for physical unbendingness

反義詞
  • loosely

    opposite — describes something not tight or fixed in position

  • flexibly

    describes ability to bend or move without breaking

文法句型

rigidly + verb

verb + rigidly

rigidly + adjective

用法筆記

Often describes body posture or the position of objects that resist external force. Common verbs: hold, stand, sit, stick, stay.

常見錯誤

❌She rigidly refused to move.' (when meaning physical movement).
✅She held her arm rigidly still during the injection.
💡'rigidly' in this sense describes physical stiffness, not an attitude of refusal.

2. Describes a manner of following rules, traditions, or personal standards that al

2.副詞B2
釋義

Describes a manner of following rules, traditions, or personal standards that allows no change at all, even when the situation reasonably calls for some flexibility.

例句

The school library enforced the no-eating rule rigidly, so students with snacks had to leave.

enforce + rigidly — rule enforcement pattern

Ezra followed the recipe rigidly and refused to add extra spices when his friends asked.

follow + rigidly — strict adherence pattern

同義詞
  • strictly

    more common and neutral; can imply careful rule-following without the negative tone

  • inflexibly

    very close in meaning; slightly stronger negative connotation of refusal to adapt

  • uncompromisingly

    stronger — suggests refusal to find a middle ground even when appropriate

反義詞
  • flexibly

    opposite — describes willingness to adapt to circumstances

  • loosely

    describes relaxed, non-strict application of rules

文法句型

rigidly + verb

verb + rigidly

hold rigidly to + noun

用法筆記

Frequently used with verbs of enforcement or adherence: enforce, follow, apply, stick to, hold to, adhere to. Often carries a mildly critical tone — suggests the strictness is excessive or unreasonable in context.

常見錯誤

❌The manager rigidly smiled at the client.' (incorrect for 'stiffly' / 'awkwardly').
✅The manager enforced the dress code rigidly.
💡'rigidly' in this sense applies to rules and behaviour, not physical actions like smiling.
❌I rigidly believe in honesty.' (too strong, sounds robotic).
✅I firmly believe in honesty.
💡'firmly' expresses conviction; 'rigidly' implies an inflexibility that sounds negative in personal beliefs.