The Difference between Ridged vs Rigid

[http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/]

Dealing with the difference between Ridged and Rigid

With examples from Harry Potter


Although ridged and rigid may sound alike, they really couldn't be more different. Ridged is the adjective form of the noun ridge, which is defined as a long narrow elevation of land; or the upper edge, angle or crest of something. It can also be used as a verb, as in forming a ridge.

Ron was fascinated by the Lego bridge the Muggle child built, especially the ridged passageway that supported the span. His father would have been delighted to see this!

Mountains ridged the landscape, creating a secret valley that took Harry, Ron, and Hermione's breath away.

Rigid, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes objects or people as stiff or unyielding, not flexible; firmly fixed; inflexible, strict or severe, and is also described as thorough and rigorous.

The wand that Harry confiscated was rigid, seemingly unbreakable.

The rigid rules set forth by Professor McGonagall were strictly enforced throughout the Gryffindor common room, at least when she was around.

A good way to determine which word to use, when faced with the dilemma, is to remember that rigid refers to strict, or stiff and unyielding objects and rules -- all which have the letter "I" in the words, as does rigid. Or you can try keeping in mind that ridged refers to the crest of the mountains or a boat -- both have the letter "E" in them. Either way, always remember that they're not interchangeable.

Comments

[michelel72.livejournal.com]

Interesting -- those words aren't homophones in my (US, muddled regions) dialect, which pronounces "ridged" almost identically to "ribbed" or "rigged". English is so strange and variable!