r-i-g-i-d
RIGID means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; stiff and inflexible. Also describes strict, inflexible rules or thinking. A solid 5-letter word worth 7 points in Scrabble.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
RIGID describes objects, materials, or structures that resist deformation under applied forces. Unlike flexible materials that bend or stretch, rigid bodies maintain their shape unless subjected to forces exceeding their structural limits. This property is fundamental in engineering, where rigidity determines a material's suitability for construction, machinery, and countless applications.
In physics, a rigid body is an idealized solid that doesn't deform under any circumstances—a useful theoretical construct though no real material is perfectly rigid. Engineers quantify rigidity through Young's modulus (resistance to stretching) and shear modulus (resistance to twisting), critical parameters for designing everything from skyscrapers to spacecraft.
Beyond physical properties, "rigid" describes inflexible attitudes, rules, or systems. A rigid personality resists change and adaptation. Rigid thinking patterns can indicate psychological conditions or simply conservative temperaments. Organizations with rigid hierarchies struggle to innovate, while rigid rules may provide needed structure or stifle creativity.
For Scrabble players, RIGID offers moderate scoring with common letters plus two 2-point tiles (G and D). Its lack of high-value letters is offset by numerous extension possibilities and the double-I pattern that enables parallel plays.
"Rigid" comes from Latin "rigidus," meaning stiff or hard, derived from the verb "rigere" (to be stiff or numb). This Latin root connects to the Proto-Indo-European *reig- (to stretch out, stiffen), linking rigidity to the concept of tension and resistance.
The word's path through languages:
Related Latin words reveal the concept's breadth: rigor (stiffness, severity), rigescere (to grow stiff), and rigor mortis (stiffness of death). The medical term emerged in 1840s, while "rigidity" as a personality trait gained prominence in 20th-century psychology.
The metaphorical extension from physical to mental inflexibility occurred early. By the 16th century, "rigid" described strict adherence to rules or principles. This dual meaning—physical and conceptual inflexibility—remains central to modern usage, from rigid materials in engineering to rigid thinking in psychology.
•No material is perfectly rigid—even diamonds deform under enough pressure
•Rigid airships like the Hindenburg used internal frameworks, unlike blimps
•Psychological rigidity is linked to anxiety and difficulty adapting to change
"The bridge's rigid steel framework could withstand hurricane-force winds."
- Engineering context
"His rigid adherence to the schedule left no room for spontaneity or joy."
- Behavioral context
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 3
RIGID's double I creates opportunities for parallel plays, while G and D add moderate scoring value. The word's common letters make it easy to build from existing tiles.
• Base value: 7 points (modest but reliable)
• Extensions: RIGIDS, RIGIDLY, RIGIDITY
• Substring words: RID, RIG, GID, DIG
• Anagram alert: No common anagrams
Engineers measure rigidity through several key properties:
The choice between rigid and flexible design depends on application:
Physics often assumes "rigid bodies" that don't deform—a useful simplification for calculations. In reality, all materials deform under stress. Even diamond, Earth's hardest natural material, compresses measurably under extreme pressure. Understanding when the rigid body assumption is valid (and when it isn't) is crucial for accurate engineering.
Cognitive rigidity refers to inflexible thinking patterns—difficulty adapting thoughts or behaviors when situations change. It manifests as:
While some structure aids functioning, excessive rigidity correlates with anxiety, depression, and various psychological conditions including OCD and autism spectrum disorders.
Predictability, efficiency, clear boundaries, reduced decision fatigue
Missed opportunities, relationship strain, inability to adapt, increased stress
Adapting to situations while maintaining core values—key to mental health
Don't confuse RIGID (stiff, inflexible) with RIDGED (having ridges). "The ridged potato chips were rigid" uses both correctly.
RIGID is pronounced "RIJ-id" with a soft G sound (like "j"), not "RIG-id" with a hard G. The same applies to "rigidity."
The double I in RIGID makes it excellent for parallel plays. Try placing it above or below existing words to create multiple two-letter words (IT, IN, ID).
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like RIGID