stiffness

• Nom désignant la qualité ou l'état de ce qui est rigide, peu flexible ou difficile à plier, à bouger ou à modifier.

A noun referring to the quality or state of being rigid, inflexible, or difficult to bend, move, or change.

indénombrable

1. Physical inflexibilityB2formal

   The physical property of being rigid and resistant to bending.

   Raideur physique

   • The stiffness of the metal rod made it difficult to shape.
   • Engineers tested the stiffness of the bridge's support beams.
   • The cardboard lost its stiffness after getting wet.

   Synonymesfirmnesshardnessinelasticityinflexibilityrigidityrigidnesstensenesstightness

   Antonymesflexibilitylimpnesspliabilitysuppleness

2. Painful movementB1formalmedical

   The condition of moving with pain or difficulty, often in muscles or joints.

   Raideur douloureuse

   • He felt stiffness in his neck after sleeping awkwardly.
   • Morning stiffness is a common symptom of arthritis.
   • Stretching exercises can help reduce muscle stiffness.

   Synonymesachingsorenesstendernesstightness

   Antonymesflexibilitysuppleness

3. Firmness of purposeC1formal

   Firm resoluteness in purpose, opinion, or action.

   Fermeté de caractère

   • Her stiffness in negotiations surprised her opponents.
   • The general's stiffness of command left no room for doubt.
   • His moral stiffness made him unpopular among the flexible politicians.

   Synonymesdeterminationfirmnessinflexibilityobduracyresolutenesssteadfastnesstenacity

   Antonymesflexibilityindecisionirresolutionpliabilityweakness

4. Social awkwardnessC1informal

   The inelegance of someone who is stiff and unrelaxed, often due to embarrassment.

   gêne due à la raideur

   • His stiffness at the party made everyone feel awkward.
   • She tried to hide her stiffness during the formal dinner.
   • The stiffness of his posture revealed his nervousness.

   Synonymesawkwardnessgaucherieself-consciousnessuncomfortablenessuneasewoodenness

   Antonymesconfidenceeasegracenaturalnesspoise

5. Excessive sternnessC1formal

   Excessive harshness or severity in manner or attitude.

   Sévérité excessive, rigidité de comportement

   • The teacher's stiffness discouraged students from asking questions.
   • His stiffness in enforcing rules created a tense atmosphere.
   • The manager's stiffness was mistaken for lack of empathy.

   Synonymesausterityharshnessrigidityrigorseveritysternnessstrictness

   Antonymesflexibilitygentlenesskindnessleniencymildness