rigidly

rigidly — adverb

1. in a way that stays completely stiff, without bending or changing position when

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that stays completely stiff, without bending or changing position when pressure or force is applied.

Example

Sana held her arm rigidly straight as the nurse cleaned the wound.

rigidly + adjective describing posture

The wooden door was stuck rigidly in its frame so nobody could push it open.

passive: be stuck rigidly (position)

Common collocations
  • held rigidly
  • stood rigidly
  • sat rigidly
  • stuck rigidly
  • rigidly straight
  • rigidly upright
Synonyms
  • stiffly

    most direct synonym for physical rigidity; interchangeable in most physical contexts

  • inflexibly

    slightly broader — can describe both material and human behaviour, but works here for physical unbendingness

Antonyms
  • loosely

    opposite — describes something not tight or fixed in position

  • flexibly

    describes ability to bend or move without breaking

Grammar Patterns

rigidly + verb

verb + rigidly

rigidly + adjective

Usage Note

Often describes body posture or the position of objects that resist external force. Common verbs: hold, stand, sit, stick, stay.

Common Mistakes

She rigidly refused to move.' (when meaning physical movement).
She held her arm rigidly still during the injection.
'rigidly' in this sense describes physical stiffness, not an attitude of refusal.

2. Describes a manner of following rules, traditions, or personal standards that al

2.adverbB2
Definition

Describes a manner of following rules, traditions, or personal standards that allows no change at all, even when the situation reasonably calls for some flexibility.

Example

The school library enforced the no-eating rule rigidly, so students with snacks had to leave.

enforce + rigidly — rule enforcement pattern

Ezra followed the recipe rigidly and refused to add extra spices when his friends asked.

follow + rigidly — strict adherence pattern

Common collocations
  • enforced rigidly
  • followed rigidly
  • applied rigidly
  • held rigidly to
  • stuck rigidly to
  • adhered to rigidly
Synonyms
  • strictly

    more common and neutral; can imply careful rule-following without the negative tone

  • inflexibly

    very close in meaning; slightly stronger negative connotation of refusal to adapt

  • uncompromisingly

    stronger — suggests refusal to find a middle ground even when appropriate

Antonyms
  • flexibly

    opposite — describes willingness to adapt to circumstances

  • loosely

    describes relaxed, non-strict application of rules

Grammar Patterns

rigidly + verb

verb + rigidly

hold rigidly to + noun

Usage Note

Frequently used with verbs of enforcement or adherence: enforce, follow, apply, stick to, hold to, adhere to. Often carries a mildly critical tone — suggests the strictness is excessive or unreasonable in context.

Common Mistakes

The manager rigidly smiled at the client.' (incorrect for 'stiffly' / 'awkwardly').
The manager enforced the dress code rigidly.
'rigidly' in this sense applies to rules and behaviour, not physical actions like smiling.
I rigidly believe in honesty.' (too strong, sounds robotic).
I firmly believe in honesty.
'firmly' expresses conviction; 'rigidly' implies an inflexibility that sounds negative in personal beliefs.

Word family

  • rigid
    adjectiveB2
  • rigidity
    nounC1
  • rigidness
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

Rigidly, strictly, inflexibly, and firmly all describe ways of applying rules or maintaining standards, but they differ in connotation. Rigidly carries the most negative tone — it suggests an unreasonable refusal to adapt, as in 'the school rigidly banned all phones, even for medical emergencies.' Strictly is more neutral and simply means 'with careful attention to rules,' without implying the rules are excessive. Inflexibly is closer to rigidly in negativity but focuses on the inability to adapt rather than the harshness of enforcement. Firmly implies strength and steadiness without the negative sense of being unreasonable — you can firmly hold a principle while still being open to discussion. For example: 'He firmly stated his position' (respected conviction) vs. 'He rigidly refused to listen' (closed-minded).

strictly ↗inflexiblyfirmly ↗rigidly ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • extremely rigidly
  • somewhat rigidly
  • too rigidly

Phrases

  • held rigidly
  • stuck rigidly
  • followed rigidly
  • enforced rigidly
  • applied rigidly
  • held rigidly to
  • stuck rigidly to
  • adhered to rigidly

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from the Latin word 'rigidus,' meaning 'stiff' or 'unbending.' This passed into French as 'rigide' and then entered English as the adjective 'rigid' in the 1500s. The adverb form 'rigidly' was created by adding the common suffix '-ly' to turn the adjective into an adverb, following the standard English pattern seen in words like 'quickly' and 'softly.'