rigid

Where does the word "rigid" come from? It comes from Latin rigidus, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Rigid’s story begins in Latin: rigidus meant “stiff.” From 'rigere', to be stiff. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as rigide. The root of 'rigor mortis'. It reached English by 1500s as rigid. 'rigor mortis' shares the root. Today, rigid means unable to bend.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient rigidus "stiff", from 'rigere', to be stiff.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s rigide "stiff", the root of 'rigor mortis'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s rigid "stiff", 'rigor mortis' shares the root.