stiffness
Translation
stiffness, rigidity, formality, tautness
Examples
I have some stiffness in my neck.
I have some stiffness in my neck.
The stiffness of the new fabric was surprising.
The stiffness of the new fabric was surprising.
There was a stiffness in his formal greeting.
There was a stiffness in his formal greeting.
Grammar Patterns
((in sth.)) the quality of being difficult to move I have some stiffness in my neck.
((of sth.)) the quality of being difficult to bend The stiffness of the new fabric was surprising.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rigidity, inflexibility; Antonyms: flexibility, softness
Etymology
From the adjective 'stiff' plus the suffix '-ness', which forms nouns indicating a state or quality.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'stiff' board that doesn't bend. 'Stiffness' is the quality of being stiff, whether in a muscle or in a formal situation.