How to pronounce rigorous
Say it like RIG-uh-rus. Rigorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIG).
- RIG
- uh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rigorous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rigorous
American and British speakers say rigorous in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪɡərəs/ in the US and /ˈrɪɡərəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: RIG-uh-rus.
What does rigorous mean?
- Showing, causing, or favoring rigour/rigor; scrupulously accurate or strict; thorough.
- Severe; intense.“a rigorous winter”
Where does rigorous come from?
Inherited from Middle English rigorous, from Middle French and Anglo-Norman rigoreus, derived from Late Latin rigōrōsus (stiff, rigid; inflexible).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rigorous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rigorous.
Questions about saying rigorous
How do you pronounce rigorous?
Say RIG-uh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪɡərəs/. In British English it is /ˈrɪɡərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rigorous?
Rigorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIG). Broken into parts: RIG · uh · rus.
Do Americans and Brits say rigorous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪɡərəs/ and the British form is /ˈrɪɡərəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.