stiff
Translation
stiff, rigid, formal, sore
Examples
My neck is stiff this morning.
My neck is stiff this morning.
The new shoes are a little stiff.
The new shoes are a little stiff.
He gave a stiff bow.
He gave a stiff bow.
There is stiff competition for the job.
There is stiff competition for the job.
Grammar Patterns
((adjective)) describing a body part that hurts and is difficult to move My back is stiff.
((adjective)) not easily bent or changed in shape The cardboard is very stiff.
((adjective)) formal and not relaxed in manner His greeting was stiff and formal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rigid, hard, firm; Antonyms: flexible, soft, relaxed
Etymology
From Old English 'stif', meaning 'rigid, inflexible'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a board that doesn't bend - it's stiff. This can apply to muscles or materials.