What does STIFF mean?

Here is the requested information on the word "stiff": stiff

Part of Speech: adjective, noun, verb

Definition:

• adjective: difficult to bend or move; not easily relaxed; rigid; firm; formal; lacking ease or grace
• noun: a dead body
• verb: to make something stiff or rigid; to fail to tip a server or bartender

Pronunciations:

• US: /stɪf/
• UK: /stɪf/

Origin and Usage:

The word "stiff" originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "stif" meaning "firm, rigid." The word has been used to describe anything that is difficult to bend or move, or lacks ease or grace. It has also been used to refer to a dead body, likely due to the rigidity of a corpse. As a verb, it can mean to make something stiff or rigid, or to fail to tip a server or bartender.

Synonyms:

• adjective: rigid, inflexible, hard, formal, awkward
• noun: corpse, cadaver, body, remains
• verb: harden, solidify, tighten

Related Words:

• staff
• stuff
• shift
• fifth
• cliff

Example Sentences:

• The board was stiff and difficult to bend.
• He was so stiff from sitting all day that he could barely stand up.
• The dress code was so stiff that he felt uncomfortable wearing anything else.
• The stiff lay on the table, his eyes closed and his body cold.
• She stiffed the server and left without leaving a tip.
• The baker added extra flour to the dough to stiffen it up.