English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word stiff in English

What does stiff mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

stiff

US /stɪf/
UK /stɪf/
"stiff" picture

Adjective

1.

not easily bent or changed in shape; rigid

Example:
•
The old door was stiff and hard to open.
•
My neck feels stiff after sleeping in a strange position.
Synonym:
rigidinflexibleunbendingunyieldingfirm
2.

severe or strong

Example:
•
The company faced stiff competition in the market.
•
He received a stiff penalty for his actions.
Synonym:
severeharshrigorousdrastictough
3.

formal and not relaxed or friendly

Example:
•
He gave a stiff, formal bow.
•
The atmosphere in the meeting was very stiff.
Synonym:
formalreservedunfriendlyaloofconstrained

Noun

1.

a dead body

Example:
•
The detective found a stiff in the alley.
Synonym:
corpsecadaverremains
2.

a person who does not tip

Example:
•
The waiter complained about the stiff who left no tip.
Synonym:
cheapskatemisertightwad

Verb

1.

to fail to pay (someone)

Example:
•
The restaurant stiffed the musicians after their performance.
•
He was stiffed by his employer and never got his last paycheck.
Synonym:
cheatswindledefraudshortchange

Adverb

1.

to a great degree; extremely

Example:
•
It was stiff cold outside.
•
He was stiff drunk by midnight.
Synonym:
extremelyveryexceedinglyexceptionally
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