Stifen vs. Stiffen — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 26, 2024
"Stifen" is a misspelling; the correct spelling is "Stiffen." Stiffen means to make or become more rigid or firm.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Stifen or Stiffen
How to spell Stiffen?
Stifen
Incorrect Spelling
Stiffen
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "stiff" is in "stiffen."
When things get firm, they often double in strength; similarly, "f" doubles in "stiffen."
"Stifen" looks incomplete, like it's missing a support – that support is the second "f."
There's no single 'f' in 'stiff'.
Think of "f" doubling up, just as things can get doubly firm.
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How Do You Spell Stiffen Correctly?
Incorrect: The cold air made his fingers stifen.
Correct: The cold air made his fingers stiffen.
Incorrect: The mixture will stifen as it cools.
Correct: The mixture will stiffen as it cools.
Incorrect: His expression would stifen whenever the topic was mentioned.
Correct: His expression would stiffen whenever the topic was mentioned.
Incorrect: Her muscles would stifen after the long run.
Correct: Her muscles would stiffen after the long run.
Incorrect: She could feel her resolve stifen as she faced her fear.
Correct: She could feel her resolve stiffen as she faced her fear.
Stiffen Definitions
To make more formal or severe.
Her face seemed to stiffen with anger.
To cause something to be or become rigid.
The cold will stiffen the dough.
To strengthen or bolster.
The wind began to stiffen.
To react defensively or in protest.
He seemed to stiffen at the remark.
To become rigid or less flexible.
The shirt will stiffen if left to dry.
To make or become stiff or stiffer.
(transitive) To make stiff.
(intransitive) To become stiff.
To make stiff; to make less pliant or flexible; as, to stiffen cloth with starch.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.
To inspissate; to make more thick or viscous; as, to stiffen paste.
To make torpid; to benumb.
To become stiff or stiffer, in any sense of the adjective.
Like bristles rose my stiffening hair.
The tender soil then stiffening by degrees.
Some souls we see,Grow hard and stiffen with adversity.
Become stiff or stiffer;
He stiffened when he saw his boss enter the room
Make stiff or stiffer;
Stiffen the cream by adding gelatine
Restrict;
Tighten the rules
Stiffen the regulations
Stiffen Meaning in a Sentence
She watched the gelatin stiffen into a solid form.
She could feel her muscles stiffen during the workout.
As the debate heated up, she felt her posture stiffen.
As the argument progressed, her tone began to stiffen.
He felt his back stiffen after sitting for hours.
The cold wind made the clothes on the line stiffen.
The paint will stiffen if not properly sealed.
The dough will stiffen if left in the refrigerator overnight.
His smile would stiffen whenever he was uncomfortable.
The guards would stiffen at the sound of footsteps.
The mixture should stiffen after a few minutes of stirring.
Her determination stiffen with each challenge she faced.
The fabric will stiffen if starch is applied.
His resolve would stiffen when he thought of his goals.
The agent watched her expression stiffen when asked about her whereabouts.
The icing on the cake will stiffen as it dries.
He noticed his joints stiffen in the cold weather.
The clay began to stiffen as it was exposed to air.
The branches stiffen as winter approaches.
The buttercream will stiffen in the fridge, making it easier to decorate with.
You can stiffen the collar with a little ironing.
He could feel his heart stiffen at the bad news.
Her stance stiffen as she prepared to retaliate.
The frost made the ground stiffen overnight.
The atmosphere in the room would stiffen whenever the topic of finance came up.
Stiffen Idioms & Phrases
Stiffen one's spine
To prepare oneself to be brave or steadfast.
He stiffened his spine when he heard the criticism, refusing to be discouraged.
Stiffen the sinews
Prepare oneself for a tough task or confrontation.
He would stiffen his sinews before each debate, ready for the challenge.
Stiffen one's resolve
To become more determined.
Facing the obstacle, she stiffen her resolve to overcome it.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of Stiffen?
The root word is "stiff."
What is the pronunciation of Stiffen?
The pronunciation is /ˈstɪf.ən/.
Which vowel is used before Stiffen?
There isn't a specific vowel that is always used before "stiffen." It depends on the context of the sentence.
What is the verb form of Stiffen?
Stiffen itself is a verb.
What is the singular form of Stiffen?
Stiffen is a verb and does not have a singular form.
Is Stiffen a noun or adjective?
Stiffen is a verb.
Is Stiffen an abstract noun?
No, it's a verb.
What is the plural form of Stiffen?
Verbs do not have plural forms.
Is Stiffen a negative or positive word?
Neutral, though context can provide positive or negative connotations.
Why is it called Stiffen?
It's derived from the adjective "stiff," describing something rigid, with the verb-forming suffix "-en" added.
Which preposition is used with Stiffen?
"Up" can be used, as in "stiffen up."
What is the opposite of Stiffen?
Loosen.
Which conjunction is used with Stiffen?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the sentence.
Is the Stiffen term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used in metaphorical expressions.
Is the word Stiffen is imperative?
It can be, as in "Stiffen your resolve!"
What is the first form of Stiffen?
Stiffen.
Is Stiffen an adverb?
No, Stiffen is not an adverb.
Is the word Stiffen is Gerund?
The gerund form is "stiffening."
Is the word “Stiffen” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Stiffen is a verb; it doesn't function as a direct or indirect object.
How many syllables are in Stiffen?
Two syllables.
What part of speech is Stiffen?
Verb.
What is the third form of Stiffen?
Stiffened.
Is Stiffen a vowel or consonant?
"Stiffen" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
How do we divide Stiffen into syllables?
Stif-fen.
What is another term for Stiffen?
Harden.
How is Stiffen used in a sentence?
When water was added to the mixture, it began to stiffen quickly.
Which article is used with Stiffen?
Verbs do not typically require articles, but when referring to the action, you might say "a stiffen" in very specific contexts.
Is Stiffen a countable noun?
Stiffen is a verb, not a noun.
Is Stiffen a collective noun?
No, it's a verb.
What is a stressed syllable in Stiffen?
The first syllable, "Stif," is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Stiffen?
It depends on context. "This" could be used in a phrase like "this will stiffen the material."
What is the second form of Stiffen?
Stiffened.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
