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Translation

stiff-backed

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Certainly! Let's break down the word "stiff-backed."

Definition

The word "stiff-backed" is an adjective used to describe someone who is standing or sitting with their back very straight and rigid. This posture often suggests that the person is feeling tense, serious, or formal.

Usage Instructions

You can use "stiff-backed" to describe a person's posture or demeanor, especially when they are in a formal setting or when they are trying to appear disciplined or serious.

Example
  • "The guards stood stiff-backed and unsmiling, watching over the palace entrance."
  • "During the ceremony, everyone was stiff-backed, showing respect for the occasion."
Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "stiff-backed" can be used metaphorically to describe someone's attitude or approach to a situation. For example: - "Her stiff-backed demeanor at the meeting suggested that she wasn’t open to new ideas."

Word Variants

There are no direct variants of "stiff-backed," but you can use the words "stiff" and "back" separately in different contexts: - Stiff (adjective): rigid, firm, not bending easily. - Back (noun): the rear part of the body or an object.

Different Meanings

While "stiff-backed" primarily refers to posture, the word "stiff" can have other meanings: - Stiff can mean not flexible (like a stiff piece of paper) or can describe a strong alcoholic drink. - Back can refer to the rear side or support.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "stiff-backed" include: - Rigid - Tense - Upright - Formal - Stiff

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "stiff-backed," but you might encounter phrases that imply rigidity or formality, such as: - "Straight as an arrow": meaning very straight or upright. - "By the book": meaning to do something strictly according to rules or guidelines.

Summary

In summary, "stiff-backed" describes a person with a very straight and rigid posture, often associated with seriousness or formality.

Adjective
  1. having a stiff back
    • the guards stood stiff-backed and unsmiling

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