How Do You Spell RIGUEUR?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈiːɡˈɜː] (IPA)

One commonly misspelled French word is "rigueur" (meaning strictness). It is often confused with "vigueur" (meaning strength). The correct spelling for "rigueur" is [riɡœʁ]. This means that the "r" is pronounced with a uvular trill, the "i" and "e" are both pronounced as the open-mid front unrounded vowel, the "g" is a voiced velar fricative, the "œ" is pronounced as the open-mid front rounded vowel, and the final "r" is silent. It may take some practice, but perfecting the spelling and pronunciation of "rigueur" will improve your French writing and speaking skills.

RIGUEUR Meaning and Definition

1. Rigueur is a French term that is commonly used in English to convey the idea of strictness, precision, strict adherence to rules or standards, or a demanding level of discipline. It is derived from the French word "rigoureux," which means rigorous or strict.

   In a literal sense, "rigueur" refers to the quality or state of being exact, accurate, thorough, or precise. It implies a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to following established protocols or guidelines. For instance, in a professional context, someone who demonstrates rigueur in their work exhibits a high level of reliability, consistency, and conscientiousness.

   The concept of rigueur extends beyond mere precision and encompasses a sense of rigor and strictness in various domains. It can refer to the application of rigorous standards in academic research, the adherence to strict protocols in scientific experiments, or the observance of strict ethical principles in professional conduct. It can also describe a demanding level of discipline and perfectionism in personal endeavors or artistic pursuits.

   In broader contexts, rigueur can describe a prevailing trend or practice that is widely accepted or followed. For instance, a fashion style may be said to be "de rigueur" if it is considered trendy, fashionable, or in vogue at a particular time. Similarly, certain behaviors or etiquettes may be considered de rigueur in specific social or cultural circles, implying that they are expected or obligatory.

Etymology of RIGUEUR

The word "rigueur" comes from the French language. It derives from the Old French term "rigor", which can be traced back to the Latin word "rigor" as well. In Latin, "rigor" meant "stiffness", "sternness", or "rigidity". Over time, the word evolved in French to "rigueur", which now has the meaning of "rigor", "strictness", or "stringency" in English.