Rigidity
The state or quality of being stiff or inflexible; a refusal or inability to bend, adapt, or compromise, whether physically or mentally.
nounRigidity
The state or quality of being stiff or inflexible; a refusal or inability to bend, adapt, or compromise, whether physically or mentally.
nounImagine This
Imagine a metal rod that refuses to bend no matter how hard you push it; it stays perfectly straight, symbolizing complete inflexibility.
Sounds Like
ri-DID-i-tee
Looks Like
looks like 'rigid' + 'ity' (suffix forming a noun)
Remember This
Rigidity covers both physical stiffness and mental stubbornness; the base word 'rigid' helps remember the meaning.
Other Forms
Connect With
inflexibility, stiffness, unyieldingness, stubbornness
Note
Do not confuse with 'rigor' (strictness of procedure) or 'rigorous' (thorough and precise). Use rigidity to describe inflexibility as a trait, policy, or condition.
Study Deeper
- The athlete's rigidity after the injury prevented him from trying new techniques.
- The company's rigidity in policy hindered adaptation to changing market conditions.
From Latin rigidus meaning stiff, from rigΔre 'to be stiff' or 'to be rigid', with the noun-forming suffix -ity.
Mnemonic: RIGIDITY = RIGID + ITY. Remember: if you can't bend, you are RIGID; ITY marks the state of being.
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Similar Words
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Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).