rigorous
RIG-er-uss
/ˈrɪɡ.ər.əs/
Extremely thorough, exhaustive, accurate, and logically strict.
Combines strict adherence to high standards with meticulous attention to accuracy.
The story behind the word. From Latin rigor ('stiffness', 'numbness', or 'severity'), derived from rigere ('to be stiff'). The term evolved from physical stiffness to describe unyielding standards of intellectual precision.
Word relationships
- meticulous: Meticulous stresses extreme care with small details, while rigorous stresses strict, unyielding standards.
- stringent: Stringent applies to strict rules or regulations, whereas rigorous applies to intellectual thoroughness.
- lax: Lax implies careless, permissive, or lacking strict standards.
- superficial: Superficial lacks depth, rigor, or complete analysis.
Commonly confused with
- vigorous: Vigorous means energetic and strong, while rigorous means strict, precise, and thorough.
Word family
- rigor (noun): The quality of being extremely thorough or accurate.
- rigorously (adverb): In an extremely thorough and accurate manner.
Collocations
- rigorous standards
- rigorous analysis
- rigorous testing
- intellectually rigorous
Example sentences
- "The journal demands rigorous peer review to ensure that published studies meet the highest scientific standards." Research Methodology
- "Students undergo rigorous training in statistical methodology before beginning their fieldwork." Higher Education
Memory hook
RIGOROUS work is RIGIDLY accurate. Unyielding thoroughness and accuracy.
When not to use
Do not use for casual or relaxed efforts that lack discipline.
Fun facts
- The medical phrase 'rigor mortis' shares the exact same root, referring to post-mortem muscle stiffening.
Related words
Explore more words
meticulous, fastidious, scrupulous, punctilious, polished, conscientious
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.