Words / C1

RIG-uh-r-uh-s/ˈrɪɡərəs/

Rigorous means extremely thorough or strict: rigorous marking, a rigorous test. Strict is everyday; rigid is stiff and unable to adapt — a common mix-up. Rigour (US rigor) is the noun. Do not call a nasty tone rigorous if the method is sloppy.

Meaning

Extremely thorough, strict, or accurate.

Examples

• “The marking was rigorous, which is why the grades held up.”
• “Rigorous sampling beat a glamorous chart with twelve respondents.”
• “A rigid rule never bends; a rigorous one is demanding but can still be fair.”

Good to know

Thorough and strict. Noun: rigour (British). Mix-up: rigid (inflexible). Everyday: strict. Not “rude”.

Near in meaning

thorough

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