Stiff

/stɪf/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is rigid or unyielding in manner or attitude.

He was such a stiff at work, always following the rules without question.

adjective

Rigid or firm; not easily bent or flexed.

The stiff fabric of the shirt does not allow for much movement.

Not willing to change or adapt; inflexible.

He has a stiff attitude towards new ideas and suggestions.

Strongly held or firmly established.

There was a stiff competition among the teams for the championship.

Having an excessive degree of formality or severity.

The stiff decor of the restaurant made it feel less welcoming.

Severe or intense, usually referring to pain or discomfort.

After the workout, I had a stiff neck that took a while to ease.

Old English stīfer; of Germanic origin.

stiff upper lip:

To remain resolute and unemotional in the face of adversity.

stiff as a board:

Very rigid or inflexible.

stiff competition:

Strong rivalry in a particular field or market.

A term for someone who is overly serious or formal.

Don't be such a stiff at the party!

Referring to a strong alcoholic drink.

He poured himself a stiff after the rough day.