What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rigor
Example
The research paper was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the peer-review committee. [rigorous: adjective]
Example
The winter storm brought with it a level of rigor that made it difficult to travel. [rigor: noun]
strictness
Example
The school has a strict policy against cheating on exams. [strict: adjective]
Example
The coach maintained strictness in enforcing the team's rules and expectations. [strictness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strictness is more commonly used than rigor in everyday language. Strictness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rigor is less common and refers to a specific standard or approach.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rigor and strictness?
Both rigor and strictness can be used in formal contexts, but rigor is more likely to be used in academic or scientific writing, while strictness can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.