B2adjective2K

Stiff

UK /["/stɪf/"]/US /["/stɪf/"]/

Definition

difficult to bend or move

In simple words: Not able to move easily; hard.

Examples

  • The chair was so stiff that I couldn't sit comfortably on it.
  • After the workout, my muscles felt stiff and sore.
  • His response was stiff, lacking any warmth or friendliness.
  • The negotiations continued but were becoming stiff and unproductive.
  • She wore a fancy dress that was stiff with layers of tulle.
  • He had a stiff upper lip, never showing his emotions in public.
  • The fabric of the shirt is too stiff for my liking.
  • We had a stiff competition in the last match, everyone played their best.

Usage notes

Used to describe something that is rigid or difficult to bend; also can describe a person who is not relaxed in behavior. Avoid in very casual conversations when referring to people.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'stiff' board that won't bend.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • lie
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • with
  • (as) stiff as a board
  • be
  • feel
  • get
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • from
  • be
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • rigid
  • hard
  • tense
  • inflexible
  • unyielding

Antonyms

  • flexible
  • limber
  • soft

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'stave' as in to prevent something.
  • Using 'stiff' to describe something that is simply cold without context.
  • Misunderstanding 'stiff' as only referring to physical rigidity.