rigorously

USAGE SUMMARY

"rigorously" is a perfectly valid word in written English.
You can use it when describing something involving careful and thorough attention to detail, or when talking about an activity that is conducted with extreme care and precision. For example, you might say "He rigorously studied for the exam, memorizing facts and equations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The status of the African golden cat in the wild has never been rigorously assessed, but the species is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation, and by unsustainable hunting," according to one study.

The Guardian

Local media outlets have begun to rigorously self-censor, for fear of losing advertisers.

The Guardian

That is primarily because the technology they are built on has to be rigorously tested and stand the test of time, and therefore does not change quite as rapidly as mobile devices.

The Guardian - Tech

When I interviewed your main opponent John Biggs he said Brick Lane's night time economy needed to be managed more rigorously and that if the area's distinctive character is to be maintained the curry trade there needs to be helped and improved.

The Guardian

We are rigorously applying the rule," said a spokeswoman.

The Guardian

"My proposal to chief executives of large media companies is to bring focus, speed and framework within which we can rigorously develop and accelerate launches effectively and decrease the risks inherent in new launches".

The Guardian

Of course all suggestions of improper behaviour by police have to be rigorously investigated but the current froth of comment impinges upon the integrity of most police officers, regardless of rank, which is unfair and unjustified.

The Guardian

This wasn't an inquisition in terms of arguments forwarded and rigorously scrutinised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even if LCDS, Laban and NSCD were to focus more rigorously on pure technical proficiency, it's questionable how well this would serve the majority of their students' long-term interests.

The Guardian

"I understand that you have to bring finances in order but you cannot cut rigorously because it hurts the economy and people.

The Guardian - Business

Scotto says that listening to and rigorously questioning high-profile speakers about controversial global issues is "vital training" for undergraduates and a life skill – especially for anyone wanting to work in public life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rigorously", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the high level of thoroughness, precision, and strict adherence to methods or principles being applied. It's most effective when emphasizing the comprehensive and exacting nature of an action or process.

Common error

Avoid using "rigorously" in everyday, informal situations where simpler adverbs like "carefully" or "thoroughly" would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "rigorously" primarily functions to modify verbs, emphasizing the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out with extreme care, precision, and thoroughness. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts requiring strict adherence to standards or methods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rigorously" functions as an adverb indicating a high degree of thoroughness and precision. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news media, formal business, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure that the context warrants the level of formality that "rigorously" implies, and remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in casual conversation. Related terms include "strictly", "thoroughly", and "meticulously", each with slight nuances. Understanding its proper use allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly

Indicates adherence to rules or principles with precision and without deviation, similar to "rigorously" but often in a more rule-bound context.

thoroughly

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and completeness of an action or investigation, resembling "rigorously" in its dedication to detail.

meticulously

Highlights extreme attention to detail and precision, akin to "rigorously" but focused more on the fine points.

scrupulously

Implies a strong moral or ethical component in the thoroughness, differing from "rigorously" which is more about method.

exhaustively

Focuses on the completeness of examination or effort, similar to "rigorously" but specifically indicating nothing was left unchecked.

stringently

Suggests a firm and uncompromising application of rules or standards, close to "rigorously" in its insistence on high standards.

closely

Implies careful observation or monitoring, sharing the precision aspect of "rigorously" but in a more observational sense.

precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness, similar to "rigorously" in its commitment to correctness but more narrowly focused.

diligently

Highlights the effort and care taken in performing a task, relating to "rigorously" in its emphasis on thoroughness and dedication.

carefully

Indicates attention to detail and avoidance of errors, sharing the cautious aspect of "rigorously" but in a more general way.

FAQs

How can I use "rigorously" in a sentence?

You can use "rigorously" to describe actions performed with extreme thoroughness and precision, such as "The data was "rigorously" analyzed" or "The experiment was "rigorously" controlled".

What are some alternatives to using "rigorously"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strictly", "thoroughly", or "meticulously" instead of "rigorously".

Is it appropriate to use "rigorously" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "rigorously" is generally more suited to formal or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler words like "carefully" or "thoroughly" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "rigorously" enforce a rule?

To "rigorously" enforce a rule means to apply it "strictly" and consistently, without any exceptions or leniency. It implies a firm commitment to ensuring the rule is followed in every instance.