Pronunciation

/stɪf/

Definitions

Noun

• A stiff person is one who is inflexible, unyielding, or rigid in their movements or opinions.
• A stiff piece of material, such as cardboard or paper, is hard and unyielding.
• In card games, a stiff hand refers to a poor hand with few high-ranking cards.
• A stiff competition or challenge is one that is difficult or closely contested.

Verb

• To stiffen (sth.) means to make something harder or stiffer, often by adding a solidifying agent.
• To stiff someone (usually in business) is to refuse to pay them, typically for goods or services provided.

Adjective

• Stiff can describe a person who is unresponsive or unemotional.
• It can also mean cold or uncomfortable, as in “a stiff breeze” or “a stiff neck from sleeping poorly.”
• In terms of clothing, it refers to tight-fitting or formal attire.

Adverb

• Stiffly describes movement that is awkward, uncoordinated, or lacking flexibility.

Phrases

• “To take something stiffly” implies doing so with rigidity or formality.
• “A stiff upper lip” is a British expression meaning to remain composed and resilient in the face of adversity.
• “A stiff drink” refers to a strong alcoholic beverage.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The old man had a stiff back from years of manual labor.”
• Verb: “She tried to straighten the sofa cushions, but they were already quite stiff.”
• Adjective: “The ceremony was conducted with a stiff formality.”
• Adverb: “He danced stiffly at the party, clearly uncomfortable on the dance floor.”

Synonyms

• Rigid
• Unbending
• Starchy
• Formal
• Unyielding
• Tight
• Cold
• Uncomfortable

Related Words:

• Rigidity
• Stiffness
• Unflexible
• Unyieldingness
• Arrogant
• Reserved