WordGarden.iostiff
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɪf/
US
- /ˈstɪf/
Meanings
Adjective
firm, rigid, or not easily bent
tight, sore, or hard to move freely in the body
awkwardly formal, tense, or lacking natural ease
More meaningsFewer meanings
severe, demanding, or hard to overcome
strong in alcohol
Verb
to cheat someone or refuse to give them money or what is owed
Beyond the definition
Something that's stiff does not bend or move easily, like a shirt fresh from ironing or legs that feel tight after a long run. It is often used for the body too: you might wake up with a stiff neck or feel stiff after sitting too long. The word can also describe a person who seems very formal, serious, or not relaxed, like someone who stands in a stiff way and does not smile much.
It can also mean strong or severe in some situations. A stiff wind is strong and cold, and a stiff penalty is harsh. In everyday English, a stiff drink is one with a lot of alcohol. These uses all share the same general feeling of hardness, tension, or a lack of ease.
The word stiff carries multiple meanings, all revolving around a lack of flexibility, ease, or yielding. Primarily, it describes something that is not easily bent or moved—rigid and unyielding. This applies to objects like a stiff board or a stiff rope, as well as the human body, such as muscles feeling stiff after an intense workout. This physical rigidity can be a temporary condition or an inherent property of the material itself.
Beyond the physical, stiff is frequently used to describe a personality that is formal, reserved, and lacking in warmth or spontaneity. A stiff person might avoid casual conversation, adhere strictly to etiquette, and appear uncomfortable expressing their feelings. In a social context, this can be interpreted as a sign of professionalism, aloofness, or even arrogance.
The term also characterizes things that are severe or intense. A stiff penalty for breaking the rules is one that is harsh and uncompromising, much like a stiff warning. In meteorology, a stiff breeze is strong and biting, lacking any gentle quality. Furthermore, in the world of beverages, a stiff drink refers to a particularly potent serving of alcohol.
Finally, "stiff" appears in various idiomatic and informal ways. As a verb, to "stiff" someone means to cheat them out of money (like failing to leave a tip for a waiter). As a noun, "a stiff" is an informal, somewhat macabre term for a dead body. Whether describing physical inflexibility, social conduct, or the severity of consequences, stiff always implies a lack of ease or pliability.
Examples
- 1
Physical discomfort
My neck feels stiff after sitting at the computer all day.
- 2
Cold reaction
I was so cold that my fingers went stiff.
- 3
Clothing
The new leather boots were stiff at first, but now they're much more comfortable.
- 4
Mechanical resistance
The door handle is a bit stiff, so you have to turn it hard.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social atmosphere
Everyone was polite, but the conversation felt stiff and awkward.
- 6
Business competition
We’re facing stiff competition from cheaper airlines.
- Phrasestiff competition
strong competition that is hard to beat
- 7
Penalties
The company could face a stiff fine for breaking safety rules.
- 8
Alcohol
After that week, he said he needed a stiff drink.
- Phrasea stiff drink
an alcoholic drink with a lot of alcohol
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stiffnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- stiffercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- stiffedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun
- stiffspluralnounverbadjective
- stiffestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- stiffing-ing formverbadjectivenoun