What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stiffest
Example
The new boots were so stiff that they gave me blisters. [stiffest: superlative adjective]
Example
He walked with a stiff gait due to his injury. [stiff: adjective]
Example
The competition was fierce, but he managed to win against the stiffest opponents. [stiffest: superlative adjective]
toughest
Example
The toughest fabric for outdoor gear is Gore-Tex. [toughest: superlative adjective]
Example
She's the toughest person I know, always bouncing back from setbacks. [toughest: superlative adjective]
Example
The marathon was one of the toughest races he had ever run. [toughest: superlative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toughest is more commonly used than stiffest in everyday language. Toughest is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stiffest is less common and has a narrower range of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stiffest and toughest?
Both stiffest and toughest can be used in formal and informal contexts, but toughest is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
