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stiff

stiff

 
 
pronunciation:
stIf
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
inflections: stiffer, stiffest
definition 1: not easy to bend.
This thick cardboard is really stiff.
synonyms:
firm, inflexible, rigid
antonyms:
flexible, limp, plastic, supple
similar words:
crisp, hard
definition 2: not moving or operating easily.
I could hardly open the stiff door.She complained about her stiff ankles.
antonyms:
agile, loose, supple
similar words:
rigid, taut, tense
definition 3: not easy in expression or movement; formal.
She gave them a stiff greeting.I felt uneasy because of her stiff manner.
synonyms:
aloof, formal
antonyms:
informal, relaxed
similar words:
austere, awkward, brittle, chilly, cold, cool, distant, prim, stuffy, unfriendly, wooden
definition 4: difficult.
It was a stiff climb up the mountain.There's some stiff competition for the job.
synonyms:
difficult, hard
antonyms:
easy
similar words:
exacting, fatiguing, heavy, tough
definition 5: severe; harsh.
He endured some stiff punishment for stealing.
synonyms:
harsh, severe, strict
antonyms:
mild
similar words:
exacting, hard, ruthless
definition 6: rather firm or thick.
Beat the egg whites until they are stiff.
synonyms:
thick
antonyms:
runny, thin
similar words:
dense, firm, heavy, solid
definition 7: very high; above normal.
Stiff prices make it hard for poor families to get by.
synonyms:
excessive
similar words:
difficult, exacting, extravagant, heavy, high, steep
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adverb
inflections: stiffer, stiffest
definition: completely; entirely.
I was bored stiff during the meeting.She was scared stiff by the monster.
synonyms:
totally
similar words:
absolutely, extremely
derivations: stiffly (adv.), stiffness (n.)
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