Stiff
As an Adjective
- Not easily bent or flexible; rigid.
- Difficult to move due to tightness or pain.
- Formal, serious, or lacking ease in behavior.
- Severe or harsh in degree.
As a Noun
- A dead body (informal/slang).
- A person who is rigid in manner or movement.
As a Verb (Informal)
- To cheat someone by not paying what is owed.
- To ignore or avoid someone intentionally.
Word History
The word stiff comes from Old English stif, meaning “rigid or inflexible.” It has been used in various contexts over time, from describing physical hardness to strict rules or even unwillingness to pay debts.
Examples
- (Adjective) The new shoes felt stiff and uncomfortable.
- (Adjective) After the workout, my legs were stiff and sore.
- (Adjective) He gave a stiff formal speech with little emotion.
- (Noun) The detective found a stiff in the abandoned building.
- (Verb) He stiffed the waiter by leaving without paying the bill.
Synonyms
Rigid, firm, inflexible, tense, severe
Related Words
Hard, strict, sore, formal
Antonyms
Flexible, relaxed, soft, easygoing
