rigorous

/ˈrɪɡərəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈrɪɡərəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈri-g(ə-)rəs/ (ame, mw)

rigorous — adjective

  • rigorouspositive
  • more rigorouscomparative
  • most rigoroussuperlative

1. performed or carried out with great thoroughness, including a careful check of e

1.形容詞B2
釋義

performed or carried out with great thoroughness, including a careful check of every detail to make sure nothing is wrong or incomplete.

例句

The laboratory follows a rigorous testing protocol for all new drugs.

collocation: rigorous testing / rigorous analysis / rigorous review

Before publishing, every article goes through a rigorous review process.

同義詞
  • thorough

    similar in meaning but less formal and does not always carry the idea of strict precision

  • meticulous

    emphasises extreme care for small details, often used for people rather than processes

  • precise

    focuses on accuracy of measurement or description rather than the breadth of checking

  • scrupulous

    suggests moral carefulness and ethical attention, not just procedural thoroughness

反義詞
  • careless

    opposite in that no attention is paid to details

  • sloppy

    informal; describes work done without care or thoroughness

文法句型

rigorous + noun

be rigorous in + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Frequently used in academic or professional contexts to describe methods, standards, tests, or examinations. The adverb form 'rigorously' is common with verbs like 'test', 'examine', or 'check'.

常見錯誤

❌The scientist made a rigorous research.
✅The scientist conducted rigorous research.
💡'research' is an uncountable noun; use 'rigorous' directly before it without an article.

2. applying or demanding strict adherence to rules, standards, or discipline, with

2.形容詞B2
釋義

applying or demanding strict adherence to rules, standards, or discipline, with very little or no flexibility allowed.

例句

The military academy enforces rigorous discipline among its cadets.

collocation: rigorous discipline / rigorous rules / rigorous training

New employees must pass a rigorous training programme before they start working.

同義詞
  • strict

    more common and slightly less formal; focuses on rule enforcement

  • stringent

    formal; often describes official rules, laws, or conditions

  • severe

    stronger and more negative; suggests harshness or punishment

  • harsh

    carries a stronger negative feeling and suggests unfairness or cruelty

反義詞
  • lenient

    describes a relaxed approach to rules or discipline

  • lax

    suggests a lack of proper control, often with a critical tone

文法句型

rigorous + noun

be rigorous about + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Often describes systems, institutions, or people that demand strict rule-following. Distinguish from sense 1 (THOROUGH): this sense applies to rules and control of behaviour, not to careful checking of facts or methods.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher was rigorous to the students.
✅The teacher was rigorous with the students.
💡use 'rigorous with someone' when referring to a person being strict.