How Do You Spell STIFF?

Pronunciation: [stˈɪf] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "stiff" is fairly straightforward, with all its sounds accurately represented by the letters used. The IPA phonetic transcription for "stiff" is /stɪf/, which means that it is pronounced with an S sound followed by a T sound, and then an I sound with an F sound at the end. It is important to note that the "I" is a short vowel sound, as opposed to the long "ee" sound often associated with the letter.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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STIFF Meaning and Definition

  1. Stiff, as an adjective, has various meanings depending on the context:

    1. Rigid or inflexible: This definition refers to something that lacks flexibility or pliability. It can describe an object that does not bend easily or a person who lacks physical flexibility.

    2. Difficult to move or operate: It is used to describe something that requires extra effort or force to move. For instance, a stiff door may be hard to open or close.

    3. Lacking ease or comfort: It denotes discomfort in movement or posture. For example, a stiff neck refers to a condition where neck muscles feel tight or sore.

    4. Inflexible or strict: This meaning refers to a person's nature, behavior, or attitude. Someone who is unwilling to change their opinion or adapt to new ideas might be described as stiff.

    5. Harsh or formal in manner: It describes behavior that is formal, aloof, or lacking warmth. A person who maintains a stiff demeanor may appear unfriendly or unapproachable.

    6. High in concentration or strength: In this sense, stiff is often used to describe drinks, such as a stiff drink, which indicates a potent alcoholic beverage.

    As a noun, stiff refers to a dead body or a person who lacks ease or flexibility in movement. Additionally, it can be used informally to refer to someone who is dishonest or unreliable, such as a "card sharp" or a "bookie's stiff."

  2. • the dead body of a human being
    • Not easily bent; not pliant; rigid; rather hard than soft; strong; not giving way; stubborn; firm in perseverance or resistance; not natural and easy, as manners; affected; constrained; not written with ease; formal; impetuous in motion, as a breeze.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for STIFF *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for STIFF

Etymology of STIFF

The word "stiff" originated from the Old English word "stif", which had similar meanings such as "rigid" or "not easily bent or flexible". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stīb-", meaning "rigid" or "stiff". Ultimately, it can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*stīb(h)-", which also relates to the idea of stiffness or rigidity. Over time, the word "stiff" evolved and gained additional meanings, including "lacking ease or flexibility in movement", "inflexible in opinions or beliefs", or "formal and awkward in manner".

Idioms with the word STIFF

  • be as stiff as a board The idiom "be as stiff as a board" refers to someone or something that is extremely rigid, inflexible, or stiff. It can be used to describe someone who lacks looseness or flexibility in their movements, or to refer to an object that is hard, unbending, or unyielding.
  • bored stiff The idiom "bored stiff" is used to describe a state of extreme boredom or a feeling of being uninterested and unengaged in one's surroundings or activities. It implies that boredom is so intense that it causes a person to feel stiff, unenergetic, and disengaged.
  • bored to death/tears, at bored stiff The idioms "bored to death" and "bored stiff" both refer to feeling extremely bored or uninterested to the point of being mentally or physically exhausted. It emphasizes a state of extreme dullness or lack of stimulation that can make someone feel lethargic and unengaged.
  • (as) stiff/straight as a ramrod The idiom "(as) stiff/straight as a ramrod" is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally rigid, formal, or upright in posture, demeanor, or behavior. It implies a sense of strictness, unbending nature, or extreme discipline.
  • be as stiff/straight as a ramrod The idiom "be as stiff/straight as a ramrod" is used to describe someone or something that is extremely upright, rigid, stiff, and unbending in posture or behavior. It implies a person's or object's steady and unyielding stance, often suggesting a strict discipline, formality, or a lack of flexibility.
  • bore (one) stiff To "bore (one) stiff" means to cause extreme boredom or tedium to someone, to the point where they become uninterested, disengaged, or irritated. It refers to an activity, situation, or person that is so uninteresting or monotonous that it leaves the individual feeling dull and numb, as if they are figuratively "stiff" with boredom.
  • scare sm stiff The idiom "scare someone stiff" means to frighten or startle someone to such an extent that they are extremely scared or paralyzed with fear. It implies that the person is unable to move or react due to the overwhelming fright they are experiencing.
  • bore stiff The idiom "bore stiff" refers to an individual or something that is extremely dull, uninteresting, or lacking any excitement, causing extreme boredom or disinterest. It implies that the person or thing is so tedious or monotonous that it can make someone feel stiff or unresponsive out of sheer boredom.
  • be as stiff as a ramrod The idiom "be as stiff as a ramrod" means to be rigid or immobile, physically or emotionally. It describes someone who lacks flexibility, looseness, or ease. The phrase draws an analogy to the straightness and inflexibility of a ramrod, a long, straight rod used to clean and maintain the barrel of a firearm.
  • stiff cheese The idiom "stiff cheese" is used to express a lack of sympathy or indifference towards someone's misfortune or disappointment. It conveys the idea that the speaker does not feel sorry for the person in question and does not consider their situation to be significant or worthy of empathy.
  • stiff upper lip The idiom "stiff upper lip" means to show courage and resilience in the face of adversity or pain, by maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, and not openly expressing one's emotions or distress. It often implies keeping a brave face and not allowing oneself to be easily overwhelmed or emotionally affected by difficult circumstances.
  • stiff as a board The idiom "stiff as a board" is used to describe something or someone that is completely rigid or inflexible. It typically refers to a lack of movement or flexibility, either physically or metaphorically.
  • Keep a stiff upper lip. The idiom "Keep a stiff upper lip" means to remain calm, composed, and resilient in the face of adversity or difficult situations, without showing any signs of distress or emotions. It typically advises someone to maintain a strong and unyielding demeanor, especially during times of hardship or when dealing with pain or adversity.
  • working stiff The idiom "working stiff" refers to an individual, typically a blue-collar worker, who works diligently and often laboriously. It is often used to describe someone who has a demanding and physically exhausting job, often without much recognition or higher pay.
  • scared stiff The idiom "scared stiff" is used to describe someone who is extremely frightened or terrified, to the point where they are unable to move or react.
  • scare stiff The idiom "scare stiff" means to frighten someone so much that they become paralyzed or too terrified to move or react.
  • bore sm stiff The idiom "bore someone stiff" means to greatly bore or exhaust someone, causing them to feel extremely bored, uninterested, or restless. It implies that the person causing the boredom is doing so to an excessive extent.
  • a stiff upper lip The idiom "a stiff upper lip" means to remain resolute and composed, especially in difficult or challenging situations, without showing emotions or losing one's composure. It suggests the suppression of feelings or emotions and the demonstration of a strong and unyielding demeanor. It is often associated with British culture and the idea of maintaining a calm and dignified attitude amidst adversity.
  • a stiff drink The idiom "a stiff drink" refers to an alcoholic beverage that contains a higher than average amount of alcohol or is particularly strong. The term "stiff" suggests that the drink is potent and may have a significant impact on the person consuming it.
  • stiff cheese!, at hard/tough cheese! The idiom "stiff cheese!" or "hard/tough cheese!" is used to dismiss or express disregard towards someone's complaint or misfortune. It suggests that the speaker has no sympathy or does not care about the situation. It can also imply that the person experiencing the difficulty should accept their circumstances because there is no remedy or solution available.
  • stiff cheddar "Stiff cheddar" is an informal way of saying "too bad" or "tough luck." It is used to express sympathy or understanding for someone's unfortunate situation.

Similar spelling words for STIFF

Plural form of STIFF is STIFFS

Conjugate verb Stiff

CONDITIONAL

I would stiff
you would stiff
he/she/it would stiff
we would stiff
they would stiff

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be stiffing
you would be stiffing
he/she/it would be stiffing
we would be stiffing
they would be stiffing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have stiff
you would have stiff
he/she/it would have stiff
we would have stiff
they would have stiff

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been stiffing
you would have been stiffing
he/she/it would have been stiffing
we would have been stiffing
they would have been stiffing

FUTURE

I will stiff
you will stiff
he/she/it will stiff
we will stiff
they will stiff

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be stiffing
you will be stiffing
he/she/it will be stiffing
we will be stiffing
they will be stiffing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have stiffed
you will have stiffed
he/she/it will have stiffed
we will have stiffed
they will have stiffed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been stiffing
you will have been stiffing
he/she/it will have been stiffing
we will have been stiffing
they will have been stiffing

IMPERATIVE

you stiff
we let´s stiff

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to stiff

PAST

I stiffed
you stiffed
he/she/it stiffed
we stiffed
they stiffed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was stiffing
you were stiffing
he/she/it was stiffing
we were stiffing
they were stiffing

PAST PARTICIPLE

stiffed

PAST PERFECT

I had stiffed
you had stiffed
he/she/it had stiffed
we had stiffed
they had stiffed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been stiffing
you had been stiffing
he/she/it had been stiffing
we had been stiffing
they had been stiffing

PRESENT

I stiff
you stiff
he/she/it stiffs
we stiff
they stiff

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am stiffing
you are stiffing
he/she/it is stiffing
we are stiffing
they are stiffing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

stiffing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have stiffed
you have stiffed
he/she/it has stiffed
we have stiffed
they have stiffed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been stiffing
you have been stiffing
he/she/it has been stiffing
we have been stiffing
they have been stiffing

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