How Do You Spell STIFFENING?

Pronunciation: [stˈɪfənɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "stiffening" is spelled with three syllables /ˈstɪfənɪŋ/. The first syllable "stif" represents the "st" consonant blend, followed by the short "i" vowel sound. The second syllable "fen" is pronounced with the short "e" vowel sound and the final syllable "ing" indicates the present participle form of the verb "stiffen". Overall, the correct spelling and correct pronunciation of this word are crucial in conveying its intended meaning.

STIFFENING Meaning and Definition

  1. Stiffening is a noun that refers to the process of becoming rigid or firm, usually in relation to a material or a structure. It involves the act or state of making a substance or an object less malleable, flexible, or pliable, resulting in increased resistance to deformation or bending. This can be achieved through various means such as physical forces, external pressures, or the addition of strengthening agents or materials.

    In the context of materials, stiffening often involves reinforcing a substance to enhance its strength and rigidity. This can be done by adding elements like fibers, additives, or binding agents to increase the overall structural integrity. For example, in construction, steel rods or beams are used to stiffen concrete structures, making them more robust and resistant to bending or collapsing.

    Stiffening can also apply to body movements or postures, where it refers to the act of making oneself or a part of the body more rigid or tense. This can be consciously done for reasons such as maintaining balance, preparing for physical exertion or protection, or as a reflex response to stimuli. For instance, when faced with a challenging situation, individuals may experience a stiffening of muscles as part of the body's natural fight or flight response.

    Overall, stiffening encompasses the process of rendering a material or a body more rigid, inflexible, or resistant to deformation, either to enhance strength and stability or in response to external stimuli.

  2. • Becoming or growing stiff.
    • Something used to make a substance more stiff.

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

Common Misspellings for STIFFENING

Etymology of STIFFENING

The word "stiffening" is derived from the verb "stiffen", which in turn comes from the adjective "stiff".

The adjective "stiff" originated in Old English as "stīf", meaning "firm, inflexible, rigid". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stiffaz", which carried a similar meaning.

The verb "stiffen" came into use in the 17th century. It is formed by adding the suffix "-en" to "stiff", indicating the process or action of becoming stiff. The "-en" suffix is derived from Old English "-ian", which indicated the verbalization of adjectives.

Over time, the word "stiffening" evolved as the present participle form of the verb "stiffen", used to describe the act or process of becoming stiff or rigid.

Similar spelling words for STIFFENING

Plural form of STIFFENING is STIFFENINGS

Conjugate verb Stiffening

CONDITIONAL

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

PAST

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

PAST PERFECT

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

PRESENT

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

PRESENT PERFECT

I have stiffened
we have stiffened
you have stiffened
he/she/it has stiffened
they have stiffened
I am stiffening
we are stiffening
you are stiffening
he/she/it is stiffening
they are stiffening
I was stiffening
we were stiffening
you were stiffening
he/she/it was stiffening
they were stiffening
I will be stiffening
we will be stiffening
you will be stiffening
he/she/it will be stiffening
they will be stiffening
I have been stiffening
we have been stiffening
you have been stiffening
he/she/it has been stiffening
they have been stiffening
I had been stiffening
we had been stiffening
you had been stiffening
he/she/it had been stiffening
they had been stiffening
I will have been stiffening
we will have been stiffening
you will have been stiffening
he/she/it will have been stiffening
they will 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
I would be stiffening
we would be stiffening
you would be stiffening
he/she/it would be stiffening
they would be stiffening
I would have been stiffening
we would have been stiffening
you would have been stiffening
he/she/it would have been stiffening
they would have been stiffening

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