stiff
word
/ˈstɪf/
stif
/stˈɪf/
stif
Definition
Not soft, flexible, or relaxed. It can describe a body part that is hard to move, a material that does not bend easily, or a person, rule, or price that feels formal, strict, or difficult.
Usage & Nuances
Common collocations: 'stiff neck', 'stiff muscles', 'stiff competition', 'stiff penalty', 'a stiff drink'. For people, 'stiff' can mean physically awkward or too formal. Don't confuse it with only meaning 'hard'—context changes the sense.
Spanish: rígido - tieso - duroPortuguese (BR): rígido - duro - travadoPortuguese (PT): rígido - duro - hirtoChinese (Simplified): 僵硬的 - 硬的 - 严厉的Chinese (Traditional): 僵硬的 - 硬的 - 嚴厲的Hindi: अकड़ा हुआ - कड़ा - सख्तArabic: متيبّس - جامد - صارمBengali: কঠিন - শক্ত - আঁটRussian: жёсткий - напряжённый - негибкийJapanese: かたい - 硬直した - 堅苦しいVietnamese: cứng - căng cứng - nghiêm khắcKorean: 뻣뻣한 - 경직된 - 딱딱한 (성격)Turkish: sert - katı - gerginUrdu: سخت - اکڑا ہوا - کڑاIndonesian: kaku - kaku (otot) - ketat
Example Sentences
My legs feel stiff after the long walk.
basic
This shirt is too stiff and uncomfortable.
basic
The new rules are very stiff.
basic
I woke up with a stiff neck and could barely turn my head.
natural
There’s some pretty stiff competition for that job.
natural
He always seems a little stiff at formal parties.
natural