What is rigorously? Pronunciation and usage in English

rigorously means . Learn how to pronounce and use rigorously through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of rigorously

rigorouslyadverb

/ˈrɪɡərəsli//ˈrɪɡərəsli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "rigorously." It’s a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈrɪɡərəsli/

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈrɪ - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "ri" as in "ripe." The 'r' is a slightly rolled 'r' - meaning you make a brief, buzzing sound with your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Don’t overdo it though – a gentle roll is enough.
  • ɡər - This sounds like "gur" as in "guerilla." The 'g' is a hard 'g' sound.
  • əs - This is pronounced like "uhs" – a very short, quick "uh" sound followed immediately by an 's'.
  • li - This is pronounced like "lee" as in "leaf."

3. Putting it together – Step-by-Step:

  1. "Ri" – Roll the ‘r’ gently and say “ri.”
  2. "Gur" – Say “gur” (like “guerilla”).
  3. "Uh-s" – Quickly say "uhs" (like “us” but shorter).
  4. “Lee” – Finish with “lee.”

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress is Key: The emphasis is clearly on the first syllable ("ri"). This is what makes the word sound correct.
  • The "r" Roll: Don't try for a dramatic rolled 'r'. A subtle roll is sufficient. If you're struggling, simply pronounce it as a normal 'r', but be conscious of the emphasized first syllable.
  • Short “uh”: The "uhs" can be tricky. Focus on just a quick, neutral vowel sound, almost like a tiny pause.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search online for audio clips of native English speakers pronouncing "rigorously." Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type in “rigorously” and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/rigorously/ – This site has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce rigorously" – you'll find many videos.

To help me tailor my advice further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Some accents might influence the ‘r’ sound more than others.)

Usage and examples with the word rigorously in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rigorously" effectively in English. It's a strong word that suggests careful, systematic, and demanding scrutiny. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Meaning of "Rigorously"

  • Essentially: It means to examine or investigate something with great care, precision, and thoroughness. It implies a deliberate and systematic approach, often with a high standard of detail.
  • Focus on Detail & Accuracy: It’s not just doing something, but doing it correctly, with attention to every aspect and potential flaw.
  • Demanding: It suggests a process or method that is challenging and requires significant effort and dedication.

2. How to Use It – Grammatical Structure

  • Adverb: "Rigorously" is almost always used as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
  • Example Verb Modification: "He rigorously analyzed the data." (He examined it very carefully and thoroughly.)
  • Example Adjective Modification: "The students tackled the problem rigorously." (They approached it with great seriousness and precision.)
  • Example Adverb Modification: "She researched the topic rigorously over several months." (She did her research with a very extensive and dedicated method.)

3. Example Sentences (Diverse Usage)

  • Academic/Scientific: “The researchers rigorously tested their hypothesis using multiple control groups.” (Highlighting the scientific method’s attention to detail.)
  • Legal: “The lawyer rigorously examined the witness’s testimony for inconsistencies.” (Meaning they scrutinized it intensely.)
  • Creative Writing (Describing Effort): “The sculptor rigorously honed the details of the statue, striving for perfect representation.” (Emphasizing the dedication to detail.)
  • Business/Problem-Solving: “The team rigorously evaluated the proposed solution before implementation.” (Meaning they examined it methodically and critically.)
  • Personal (Describing Study Habits): "She rigorously prepared for the exam, reviewing every chapter multiple times." (Indicates a thorough and disciplined approach.)

4. Words It Often Pairs With (To Emphasize the Idea)

  • Analysis: "Rigorously analyze…"
  • Research: "Rigorously research…"
  • Investigate: “Rigorously investigate…”
  • Evaluate: “Rigorously evaluate…”
  • Test: “Rigorously test…”
  • Study: “Rigorously study…”
  • Examine: "Rigorously examine..."

5. Distinctions & Similar Words

  • Carefully: “Carefully” suggests attentiveness, but not necessarily intensity or systematic investigation.
  • Thoroughly: “Thoroughly” implies completeness, but not always the demanding scrutiny of “rigorously.”
  • Diligent: “Diligent” describes effort, but "rigorously" describes how that effort is applied—with precision and seriousness.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overuse: “Rigorously” is a strong word. Don’t use it casually. Reserve it for situations where you truly want to convey a sense of intense, systematic examination.
  • Incorrect Placement: Remember it's an adverb – it usually follows the verb or adjective it modifies.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., academic writing, journalism)?
  • Help you create a sentence using "rigorously"?
  • Compare it to another similar word in more detail?

Synonyms for the word rigorously

Practice with vocabulary rigorously

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before launching the new product, the development team decided to test its security features ____ to identify any potential vulnerabilities.
  2. Candidates for the research grant are evaluated ____ on their academic record, project feasibility, and potential impact.
  3. The architect ____ reviewed the blueprints, searching for any minor inconsistencies before submitting them for approval.
  4. The company leadership is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and ____ encourages diversity in hiring practices.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To ensure the accuracy of the financial reports, the auditing process must be conducted ____. a) carelessly b) thoroughly c) arbitrarily d) rigorously e) partially

  2. New employees are often trained ____ on safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents. a) casually b) loosely c) strictly d) rigorously e) haphazardly

  3. The research findings were challenged because the methodology was not ____ applied, leading to doubts about the validity of the conclusions. a) vaguely b) precisely c) loosely d) rigorously e) carelessly

  4. When designing the user interface, clarity and ease of navigation are ____ considerations. a) optional b) secondary c) essential d) trivial e) supplementary

  5. The project manager tried to ____ the team's efforts towards achieving the primary goal by setting clear milestones. a) dissipate b) scatter c) centralize d) redirect e) unfocus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The academic standards at the university are extremely high and demand great effort from students. (Rewrite using a form of "rigorous")

  2. Before any product is dispatched, a thorough and strict quality control inspection takes place. (Rewrite using a form of "rigorous")

  3. The team leader insisted that everyone adhere to the project timeline without any delays. (Rewrite without using "rigorously" or related forms, choosing a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. rigorously
  2. rigorously
  3. meticulously
  4. actively

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) thoroughly, d) rigorously
  2. c) strictly, d) rigorously
  3. b) precisely, d) rigorously
  4. c) essential
  5. d) redirect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The academic standards at the university are rigorous, demanding great effort from students.
  2. Before any product is dispatched, it is rigorously inspected for quality control.
  3. The team leader was adamant about everyone adhering to the project timeline without any delays.

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