rigorous

/ˈɹɪɡəɹəs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Showing, causing, or favoring rigour/rigor; scrupulously accurate or strict; thorough.

Adjective

Examples

a rigorous officer of justice

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Severe; intense.

Adjective

Examples

a rigorous winter

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rigorous” mean?

Showing, causing, or favoring rigour/rigor; scrupulously accurate or strict; thorough.

Is “rigorous” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.