rigour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal; academic; professional.
Quick answer
What does “rigour” mean?
The quality or state of being extremely thorough, careful, or strict, especially in adhering to high standards or difficult conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being extremely thorough, careful, or strict, especially in adhering to high standards or difficult conditions.
Can refer to the severity of physical conditions (like weather), the strictness of a procedure or analysis, or the demanding nature of an intellectual or physical challenge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'rigour', US 'rigor'. The word 'rigor' is standard in American English for all senses. The UK spelling is sometimes retained in US academic circles, especially in fixed terms like 'rigor mortis'.
Connotations
Largely identical. In both varieties, it is a formal word associated with high standards.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in formal writing in both varieties. The spelling difference is the primary distinction.
Grammar
How to Use “rigour” in a Sentence
The rigour of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., the rigour of the analysis)Apply/employ rigour in [DOING SOMETHING] (e.g., apply rigour in testing)Subject someone/something to the rigour(s) of (e.g., subjected to the rigours of competition)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rigour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - The verb is 'rigorise' but is exceptionally rare.
American English
- N/A - The verb is 'rigorize' but is exceptionally rare.
adverb
British English
- The procedures were rigorously followed.
- He rigorously applied the new standards.
American English
- The software was rigorously tested.
- She rigorously defended her thesis.
adjective
British English
- The training was rigorous in the extreme.
- She is known for her rigorous approach to史料.
American English
- The peer review process is highly rigorous.
- We conducted a rigorous analysis of the data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the strictness and thoroughness of processes, audits, or financial controls. 'The new compliance framework lacks the necessary rigour.'
Academic
Core term praising the quality of research, analysis, or argumentation. 'The study was praised for its methodological rigour.'
Everyday
Less common. Used to describe severe conditions ('the rigours of a long journey') or someone being very strict.
Technical
Used in science, law, and engineering to denote strict adherence to protocols or standards. 'The experiment was designed with statistical rigour.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rigour”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rigour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rigour”
- Misspelling: 'rigor' in UK contexts or 'rigourous' (correct adjective: 'rigorous').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'strictness' or 'toughness' would suffice.
- Confusing 'rigour' (quality) with 'rigor mortis' (stiffness after death).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. In academic/professional settings, it is strongly positive (implying high standards). When describing conditions (e.g., 'the rigours of winter'), it is neutral, describing severity.
'Rigorous'. A common mistake is 'rigourous', which is incorrect.
'Rigour' implies a strict, often systematic or demanding adherence to standards or rules. 'Thoroughness' simply means being complete and careful. Rigour is a more specific and formal kind of thoroughness.
Use it to evaluate the quality of work. E.g., 'This study is undermined by a lack of methodological rigour,' or 'The argument is convincing due to its intellectual rigour.'
The quality or state of being extremely thorough, careful, or strict, especially in adhering to high standards or difficult conditions.
Rigour is usually formal; academic; professional. in register.
Rigour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪɡər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rigours of something (e.g., the rigours of army life)”
- “With rigour”
- “Lack rigour”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RIGid, vigORous standard. RIG + (V)IGOUR = RIGOUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
RIGOUR IS STIFFNESS/STRENGTH (a rigorous argument is structurally sound); RIGOUR IS SEVERITY (the rigours of winter are harsh).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'rigour' used CORRECTLY?