What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rigorous
Example
The university's rigorous curriculum prepared students for their future careers. [rigorous: adjective]
Example
The company has a rigorous hiring process that includes multiple interviews and assessments. [rigorous: adjective]
stringent
Example
The government implemented stringent safety regulations for the construction industry. [stringent: adjective]
Example
The laboratory followed stringent protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results. [stringent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rigorous is more commonly used than stringent in everyday language. Rigorous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stringent is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rigorous and stringent?
Both rigorous and stringent are formal words that are appropriate for academic or professional settings. However, rigorous may be slightly more informal due to its positive connotation and versatility.