How Do You Spell STIFFEN?

Pronunciation: [stˈɪfən] (IPA)

The word "stiffen" is pronounced /ˈstɪfən/ and spelled with a double "f" in the middle. This is because the "i" in the second syllable is short, requiring a doubling of the consonant to maintain the correct pronunciation. "Stiffen" is a verb that means to become or make something stiff or rigid. This word is commonly used in reference to muscles, joints, or objects that become rigid due to cold, age, or other factors.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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STIFFEN Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "stiffen" refers to the action of becoming rigid, inflexible, or rigidly firm. It describes the process whereby something that was previously soft or pliable becomes rigid or harder to bend. This can be seen in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

    In the physical sense, "stiffen" often involves the tightening or hardening of a material. For example, when a wet cloth dries, it stiffens as the moisture evaporates, leaving it less malleable. Similarly, when a piece of metal is exposed to extreme cold, it may stiffen and become less flexible.

    Metaphorically, "stiffen" can describe a change in attitude, disposition, or behavior towards becoming more intransigent or uncompromising. It implies a resistance to change or a stubborn resolve. For instance, a person's resolve might stiffen when faced with a difficult challenge, causing them to become more determined and unwavering.

    Moreover, "stiffen" can also refer to the physiological response of muscle tension in the human body. When a muscle contracts or tenses, it becomes stiff and harder to move, serving as a protective mechanism or response to physical and emotional stimuli.

    In summary, "stiffen" encompasses the notion of something becoming rigid, inflexible, unyielding, or less pliable, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

  2. To make stiff; to become stiff; to grow hard; to become less susceptible of impressions.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for STIFFEN

Etymology of STIFFEN

The word stiffen derives from the Middle English word stiffnen, which can be traced back to the Old English word styfnian. This Old English term is formed by combining styfn meaning rigid or firm with the suffix -ian indicating a verb. Ultimately, the Old English styfnian can be linked to the Proto-Germanic word stubh- meaning stiff or hard.

Idioms with the word STIFFEN

  • stiffen up The idiom "stiffen up" means to become rigid, inflexible, or tense, either physically or mentally. It can refer to a physical tightening or tensing of muscles, or to a mental resistance or unwillingness to change or be open-minded.
  • stiffen sth up The idiom "stiffen something up" can have a few different meanings depending on the context. Here are a couple of definitions: 1. To make something firmer or more rigid: This can be applied to physical objects or materials that need to be made less flexible or loose. For example, "I need to stiffen up this shirt collar before wearing it" or "The mechanic suggested stiffening up the suspension of the car for a smoother ride." 2. To make a situation or atmosphere more serious, formal, or strict: This refers to making something more rigid in terms of rules, behavior, or expectations. For instance, "The company decided to stiffen up the dress code for its employees" or "The new manager is

Similar spelling words for STIFFEN

Conjugate verb Stiffen

CONDITIONAL

I would stiffen
you would stiffen
he/she/it would stiffen
we would stiffen
they would stiffen

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be stiffening
you would be stiffening
he/she/it would be stiffening
we would be stiffening
they would be stiffening

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have stiffen
you would have stiffen
he/she/it would have stiffen
we would have stiffen
they would have stiffen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been stiffening
you would have been stiffening
he/she/it would have been stiffening
we would have been stiffening
they would have been stiffening

FUTURE

I will stiffen
you will stiffen
he/she/it will stiffen
we will stiffen
they will stiffen

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be stiffening
you will be stiffening
he/she/it will be stiffening
we will be stiffening
they will be stiffening

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have stiffened
you will have stiffened
he/she/it will have stiffened
we will have stiffened
they will have stiffened

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been stiffening
you will have been stiffening
he/she/it will have been stiffening
we will have been stiffening
they will have been stiffening

IMPERATIVE

you stiffen
we let´s stiffen

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to stiffen

PAST

I stiffened
you stiffened
he/she/it stiffened
we stiffened
they stiffened

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was stiffening
you were stiffening
he/she/it was stiffening
we were stiffening
they were stiffening

PAST PARTICIPLE

stiffened

PAST PERFECT

I had stiffened
you had stiffened
he/she/it had stiffened
we had stiffened
they had stiffened

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been stiffening
you had been stiffening
he/she/it had been stiffening
we had been stiffening
they had been stiffening

PRESENT

I stiffen
you stiffen
he/she/it stiffens
we stiffen
they stiffen

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am stiffening
you are stiffening
he/she/it is stiffening
we are stiffening
they are stiffening

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

stiffening

PRESENT PERFECT

I have stiffened
you have stiffened
he/she/it has stiffened
we have stiffened
they have stiffened

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been stiffening
you have been stiffening
he/she/it has been stiffening
we have been stiffening
they have been stiffening
I would have stiffened
we would have stiffened
you would have stiffened
he/she/it would have stiffened
they would have stiffened

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Correct spelling for stiffen
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