What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stern
Example
The teacher's stern look silenced the noisy students. [stern: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a stern voice, warning them of the consequences. [stern: adjective]
Example
The boat's stern was decorated with colorful flags. [stern: noun]
rigid
Example
The ruler was made of rigid plastic and could not bend. [rigid: adjective]
Example
The company had a rigid policy against tardiness. [rigid: adjective]
Example
She was so rigid in her beliefs that she refused to consider any other opinions. [rigid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stern is more common than rigid in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and can be used to describe people, expressions, and physical objects. Rigid is more specific and is mainly used to describe objects or rules.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stern and rigid?
Both stern and rigid are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, stern can also be used in informal contexts to describe a serious or strict person or expression.
