What does rigor mean?
Rigor is the quality of being exact, thorough, and uncompromising in standards or reasoning. In academic and professional settings, it describes a method or argument that has been carefully examined and is supported by strong evidence: “The report was prepared with considerable rigor.” The word can also convey severity, as in “the rigor of the winter” or “the patient's rigor,” especially in medical contexts. Rigor is generally formal and may imply a demanding or demandingly exact approach rather than ordinary carefulness. Its British counterpart, rigour, is especially common in British English, whereas rigor is the usual spelling in American English. Because rigor suggests both intellectual discipline and, sometimes, harshness, it is useful when discussing standards of evidence, difficult conditions, or the severity of illness.
nounStrictness or exactness in standards, conduct, or reasoning; great care and thoroughness. It can also refer to harshness or severity, particularly in difficult circumstances.
- Strictness or exactness in standards, conduct, or reasoning.
- Harshness or severity of circumstances, such as the physical symptoms of a severe illness.
"The claim was examined with such rigor that no important detail was overlooked."
"The study's rigor impressed reviewers because every conclusion was supported by carefully checked evidence."
"The patient's rigor continued through the night, alarming the family."
The plural is used when referring to multiple acts or conditions of strictness, hardship, or severity, as in “the rigors of training” or “the rigors of winter.”
"The young athletes endured the rigors of daily training."
In medicine, "rigor" can describe the shaking and chills associated with a high fever, while in scholarship it means uncompromising precision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rigor come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century through French rigueur, from Latin rigor, meaning “strictness,” “rigidity,” or “severity.” Latin rigor was related to regere, meaning “to straighten,” “rule,” or “direct,” which also underlies words such as rigorous and rigid. The modern sense emphasizing precise methodology and careful reasoning developed largely through academic and scientific usage.
Related word forms
How rigor is actually used
In academic and professional contexts, rigor usually means precision, thoroughness, and adherence to rigorous standards. It can sound formal and may suggest severity or strictness. The British spelling rigour is common in British English, while rigor is standard in American English.
Easily confused with rigor
Rigour is the British spelling of the same noun, while rigor is the standard spelling in American English and is also accepted in British English.