1
Core quality
Extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
Example
The claim survived rigorous independent testing.
rigorous
/ˈrɪɡərəs/ · RIG-uh-rusadjective
Extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
Use rigorous to express this relationship precisely: extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
What rigorous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A rigorous method separates evidence from assumption.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The course is demanding because its standards are rigorous.
Use rigorous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The claim survived rigorous independent testing.
A rigorous method separates evidence from assumption.
The course is demanding because its standards are rigorous.
Precision Matters
Rigorous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
rigorous
vs.Means extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
haphazard
Means random, disorganised, and lacking a deliberate method.
rigorous
vs.Means extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
remiss
Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
rigorous
vs.Means extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
approximate
Means close to the actual value, amount, or form but not completely exact or precise.
rigorous
vs.Means extremely thorough, exact, logically sound, and careful in method or standards.
diligent
Means showing careful, steady, and persistent effort in one's work or duties.
Test rigorous in Context
The analysis must be exact, thorough, and methodologically careful.
1
Only a ___ comparison controlling for age and income could support the causal claim.