French word

rigoureux

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁiguʁø/

Meaning

  • adjectivestrict

Example

Mon professeur est rigoureux avec les devoirs.

My teacher is strict about homework.

Illustration for rigoureux (strict)

More examples

Il faut être rigoureux pour réussir ce projet.

To succeed with this project, it is necessary to be rigorous.

Core concept

A person or method checking every detail against a strict standard, with no room for approximation.

Common phrases

  • être rigoureux

    be rigorous

  • travail rigoureux

    rigorous work

Similar words

strict: Enforcing rules or standards strictly and consistently.
exigeant: Demanding strong results and requiring others to work hard.
sévère: Severe in treatment or judgment, allowing no leniency.

Definition in French

Se dit d'une personne ou d'une méthode très exigeante sur la précision, qui applique strictement des normes et refuse l'approximation.

Word origin

Rigoureux comes through Old French from Latin rigor, meaning hardness or strictness, with the sense of demanding exactness retained.

Usage tips

  • For a person, rigoureux can suggest either admirable thoroughness or excessive severity, depending on context and tone.

Other meanings

  • rigorousadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word