Stiffness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈstif/

Meaning & Definition of Stiffness

Stiffness (adjective)

  1. not easily bent, rigid
  2. lacking in suppleness or flexibility
  3. impeded in movement —used of a mechanism

Word Forms of Stiffness

Derived words: stiffish (adjective), stiffly (adverb), stiffness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Stiffness

Middle English stif, from Old English stīf; akin to Middle Dutch stijf stiff, Latin stipare to press together, Greek steibein to tread on

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Stiffness

What does "Stiffness" mean?

"Stiffness" means not easily bent, rigid. As an adjective, it is defined as: not easily bent, rigid. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Stiffness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Stiffness" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Stiffness"?

"Stiffness" is pronounced /ˈstif/.

What is the origin of the word "Stiffness"?

"Stiffness" comes from Middle English stif, from Old English stīf; akin to Middle Dutch stijf stiff, Latin stipare to press together, Greek steibein to tread on. First known use: before 12th century.

What words are derived from "Stiffness"?

Words derived from "Stiffness" include stiffish (adjective), stiffly (adverb) and stiffness (noun).